Lecture 1. Introduction. The History of Astrology’s Development. The Subject of Astrology About the Author
My interest in astrology arose very early—primarily, I suppose, under the influence of my parents, who were extraordinary people. They were always curious about how the world was structured and did not limit themselves to conventional explanations. In those deeply Soviet times of my childhood, when bookstores were almost entirely filled with the “works” of party officials, my parents constantly brought home reprints of treatises on yoga, esotericism, and astrology that circulated as “samizdat,” or nearly anti-Soviet material. It was my duty to retype these texts on a mechanical “Moskva” typewriter, and even the force required to press its keys was nothing compared to my fascination with all things unusual. Unusual people visited my parents—clairvoyants, specialists in Chinese medicine, astrologers, psychologists, and authors of unconventional theories about the structure of the universe… Nowadays, you can find dozens of clairvoyant advertisements in any newspaper, but back then such people did not openly discuss their abilities to avoid trouble with the authorities. In short, my upbringing in esotericism began “from the ground up.” However, as I grew older and had to find and secure my place in the world, my interest in the mysterious faded into the background. It was only in 1988 that the Call of the Unknown loudly resonated in my mind again.
Once, during a vacation at relatives’, I learned that someone they knew had an English-language book on true astrology—one with calculations, not the popular texts already appearing in various publications. My attempts to obtain this book, even for a few days, were unsuccessful, but the impulse had been given, and I began collecting everything I could find about astrology, trying to reconstruct the system of knowledge from fragments. At the same time (and quite unrelated to this), I developed a sharp dissatisfaction with my level of knowledge in astronomy—celestial coordinates, basic concepts, and definitions. For example, I was embarrassed that I had never understood what the ecliptic was while still in school. The teacher strictly followed the textbook and, it seemed, did not fully grasp the subject herself, while I was then captivated by chemistry… So I remained a layperson in astronomy. Later, I borrowed astronomical books from the library and studied them with great interest. Eventually, my foundational knowledge of astronomy proved extremely useful for astrology. Sometimes it feels as though someone is deliberately teaching us, lesson by lesson, according to their own incomprehensible plan, and later each lesson turns out to be remarkably relevant.
Later, I realized that in those years, powerful Uranus energies were strongly activated in my life, and since this Great Liberator was positioned in my chart in the house of career and social status, revolutionary changes occurred precisely in these areas of life. At the time, I was working (or rather, serving, as I was in the military) at a research institute as a scientific researcher. For an officer, especially after service in the taiga in the North, such work was a dream—stable career, decent salary, a promising future. Yet in 1990, I abandoned everything, left without severance pay, to become free and study what was most important and fascinating to me in the world.
I attended every lecture I could find, devoured everything I could buy—though books in the proper sense of the word were still scarce, and for a considerable sum, you could only purchase photocopies of various texts. Copiers were only available in institutions, and each photocopied page automatically bore the stamp “for official use only.” Ephemeris tables (without which it was impossible to construct a horoscope in the pre-computer era) cost at least 40 rubles in the best-case scenario (a significant sum), and they were considered high-quality only if you could decipher all the numbers… At the same time, I worked part-time for Aleksandr Zarayev, recording lectures on a tape recorder.
When in 1991, M.B. Levin opened the Astrological Academy, I was already constructing horoscopes and attempting to interpret them, but I decided to start from scratch again and enrolled in the first course. However, I quickly grew bored, as I realized I was not gaining anything substantial from the classes. I was on the verge of leaving the Academy when I was persuaded to attend a seminar led by Avgustina Pylypivna Semenka… Having already despaired of learning anything new and significant, I was suddenly amazed to discover that the seminar covered topics entirely unfamiliar to me. Avgustina Pylypivna had her own unique, unconventional, and in many ways highly effective approach to astrology, and I did not calm down until I had thoroughly understood it. Once I had grasped it to some degree, she offered me the chance to lead introductory classes. This was in January 1992. I remember that the topic of my first lecture was celestial coordinates, including the notorious ecliptic. Then followed countless other lectures, a desire to better comprehend and explain various astrological concepts, articles, trips to give lectures in other cities… And, of course, conferences. In those years, truly fantastic conferences were held, organized by Karine Dilanyan and Boris Boyko (who later founded the League of Independent Astrologers), as well as Farida Asadullina (“Omega Club”). These were festivals of astrology, attended by experienced foreign astrologers. I was invited as a translator, and together with the organizers and foreign guests, we spent entire evenings discussing pressing issues and simply talking about life. This is how I made friends with astrologers abroad. Particularly close relationships developed with the leaders of the English Company of Astrologers, Maggie Hyde and Geoffrey Cornelius, as well as with Derek Appleby. Derek’s death in January 1995 was a heavy blow to me. He was a wonderful, sincere, and deeply interesting person, the most experienced astrologer.
My friendship with the English astrologers led to my being invited in 1995 as a lecturer at the Company of Astrologers Summer School, where I taught a course on rectification (determining the birth time). Several days of lectures in English, for the English, with examples and Q&A sessions… I still do not understand how I managed to endure it all. Then there was a lecture at Urania Trust on the Lunar Nodes, after which the entire audience stood and applauded… The following years brought much else: disappointment in teaching astrology (of course, in vain), grueling work for a pittance churning out newspaper and magazine “horoscopes,” and the search for my own path. The Horary Astrology course at the Company of Astrologers, the Astrometeorology course with Caroline Egan, the Medieval Astrology course with RobertZolera… An eternal student, as befits an astrologer. Gradually, an understanding formed that the most interesting areas for me in Natural Astrology (which includes Astrometeorology, earthquake and volcanic eruption forecasting) as well as Horary and Electional Astrology are those directly related to real life—fields where assumptions and theories can be easily verified through practice. After a brief break from teaching, I decided to start teaching astrology again, this time remotely—in the form of a free online newsletter. The idea proved justified, as according to Subscribe.ru data, over 3,000 people subscribed to my lectures. Previously, I had never managed to gather such a large audience.
Not long ago—about a year and a half ago—my book, *Self-Tutor of Astrology*, was published. In it, I strove to present the initial astrology course as thoroughly and comprehensively as possible for readers with no prior preparation. The Triumf publishing house did a decent job with the book, but since the main printing work coincided with the retrograde period of Mercury (I will discuss retrograde planets in detail in one of the upcoming issues), an unfortunate error occurred. Instead of astrological symbols, some other font was used at the last moment, resulting in incomprehensible gibberish standing in their place. However, the errata sheet promised to be included with each book partially resolves the issue. (Note: the second edition of *Self-Tutor*, released in 2002, was free of printing errors. At the readers’ request, the chapter on forecasting was rewritten.)
The publishing house claims that *Self-Tutor* is sold in all major bookstores in Moscow. If you cannot find it there, call Triumf Publishers at 459-0522 in Moscow. My first book was *Cosmic Rhythms of Life*—a series of five lectures presenting the introductory course of Avgustina Pilypivna Semenko. The same course that once captivated me. In my opinion, the book turned out well, though at the time (it was published in 1998, though written much earlier) my teaching style was more verbose, and Avgustina Pilypivna’s brilliant ideas require some mental effort to grasp. The ANS publishing house still hasn’t managed to sell out the print run, so I cannot make the full text available for public viewing. However, you can find some excerpts on my website, Galactica.ru. If you wish, the publishing house’s phone number is 413-3456.
My rectification course (refining birth time) was detailed in the collection *Master Class of Astrology: Rectification*, Issue 2, published by VShKA in 1999. And of course, I have written many articles, the best of which you can find on my website.
The lectures in my project *Astrology Lessons for Everyone*, the first of which you are reading, do not repeat what has already been written in the books. They resonate with the books and represent another attempt to present the basics of astrology—perhaps in a slightly less structured and concentrated form compared to the books.
The History of Astrology
I did not write “origin” by accident but “development.” In my view, the history of astrology’s origins is as murky as the history of humanity’s origins. Of course, there is the official Darwinian version, according to which humans evolved from apes through natural selection. And there is a similar semi-official version of astrology’s origin—namely, that our ancestors observed the starry sky, recorded everything that happened there, and eventually concluded that certain celestial configurations corresponded to certain earthly events.
I do not intend to delve into scientific disputes, but it seems unrealistic to me that humanity originated through natural selection. People have changed very little over the recorded millennia. Likewise, I do not believe astrology arose from mere observations. Of course, observations were made—especially meticulous ones in Babylon. However, their purpose was not discovery but confirmation of astrological patterns. So where did these patterns come from? I would answer this way: they emerged from the practical application of certain philosophical and religious concepts. One could, of course, go further: where did these concepts come from, and so on. But in the end, we would stray far from the realm of practical astrology.
The history of astrology is full of gaps. When trying to understand it, one often gets the impression that great knowledge once existed but was gradually forgotten. For example, there is evidence that a very deep and detailed understanding of astronomy (which, in reality, was inseparable from astrology at the time) existed in Egypt during the construction of the pyramids, around 2400 BCE. Complex calendars were introduced into practice then, and by 1650 BCE, the Egyptians seemed to have already begun forgetting the astronomical basis of these calendars.
In general, it can be said that astrology reached Europe (we will focus specifically on the European branch of astrology, as it is closest to our worldview) from Egyptian, Babylonian, and Persian sources. The Greek philosophers served as intermediaries in this process, as well as interpreters and disseminators of astrological knowledge in the first centuries CE. It was Greek works that became the source of astrology for the civilized world of that time, including the Roman Empire.
Astrology played an important role in the Roman Empire and was firmly established as a recognized science by the 4th century CE. However, after the fall of the Roman Empire around 500 CE and the emergence of barbarian kingdoms in Europe (modern-day Italy, France, Germany, etc.), the astrological tradition in Western and Central Europe was interrupted. Meanwhile, in the East, within the Byzantine Empire, the religious and political climate effectively suppressed the practice of astrology.
It was the Arabs who entered the scene. By 711 CE, their empire stretched from modern-day Spain in the west to India in the east. In the 8th century, Arab rulers and Muslim leaders in general encouraged their intelligentsia to study Greek and assimilate the scientific achievements of other peoples. Thus, Greek astrology, along with other Greek sciences, became part of Arab-Islamic science. It was in this context that astrology continued to develop, while in Europe, from 500 to 1100 CE, the practice of astrology was severely hindered.
One of the key reasons for astrology’s decline in Europe was the degradation of mathematical and, in general, scientific education following the fall of the Roman Empire. However, by 1100 CE, the West finally realized the necessity of scientific advancement—just as the Muslim East had done in the 8th century. A massive translation of Arabic scientific (including astrological) texts into Latin began. This led to a revival of interest in astrology in Europe, which lasted until the 17th century.
The Scientific Revolution gave many Western intellectuals the illusion that, in the near future, all the mysteries of nature would be uncovered through reason and experimental science. The widespread acceptance of Copernicus’s heliocentric theory, followed by the discovery of new planets, was seen as a refutation of astrology, which traditionally relied on Ptolemy’s geocentric model and only the five visible planets. As a result, by the end of the 17th century, judicial astrology (on the various branches of astrology, more will be discussed later) had practically vanished in continental Europe.
In England, however, the astrological tradition persisted, or at least did not completely disappear, due to the country’s strong tradition of herbal medicine, which even incorporated astrological knowledge. It was during this period that astrologers were required to provide evidence of the “scientific” nature of their work—ironic, given that astrology is one of the oldest sciences. Now, the definition of science has become extremely narrow.All that could not be proven “by stick and rope” was declared unscientific. Those astrologers who sought social acceptance began (and continue to this day) to offer various rationalistic explanations of astrology. However, for a field of knowledge based on ancient philosophical and religious concepts, this is not particularly difficult. Over the years, science has changed, and society has undergone tremendous transformations. The role of the astrologer in society has also evolved. In the past, many astrologers were also physicians, translators, and mathematicians. They were highly educated individuals whose clients were primarily aristocrats and church officials—the ruling classes of their time. For example, one of the most important figures in medieval astrology, Guido Bonatti, was himself a nobleman who predicted to priests what rank they could achieve—bishop, cardinal, or perhaps even Pope… He advised members of the royal family and aristocrats on political, military, and state affairs. Now, power was increasingly shifting to the bourgeoisie, and rising literacy among workers gave rise to popular astrology—the very kind that now fills the last pages of many newspapers and magazines. The education system also shifted its focus; the emphasis was now on engineers, managers, bankers, while knowledge of languages and philosophy gradually became less valuable and significant.
By the mid-to-late 19th century, when astrology experienced another revival in Europe, very few could turn to original sources, most of which remained untranslated from Greek, Arabic, and Latin. The renewed interest in astrology and the occult in the 19th century was largely driven by society’s disillusionment with the idea that all human mysteries could be explained by reason alone. The understanding of science gradually expanded, and by the 20th century, no one was surprised by a science like psychology—whose subject and methods, in many cases, were far removed from rationalistic templates. Inspired by psychology’s social success, many 20th-century astrologers began to “teach” astrology, aligning it more closely with psychology. Following the war, psychological astrology flourished, focusing, unlike classical astrology, not on objective reality but on the inner world of the individual.
At the same time, by the end of the 20th century, interest in classical astrological works and forgotten methods and directions grew. This led to the revival of Horary Astrology and the translation of numerous works from Greek and Latin as part of the Hindsight project. Meanwhile, in the material sciences, the idea began to take hold that there are limits beyond which entirely different laws begin to operate. Discoveries in physics alone suggest that rationalistic frameworks, though still strong, are beginning to crack.
I am far from the rosy hope that someone will soon prove astrology is a science (and then all astrologers will automatically receive the title of academician). For astrology to regain its place among the sciences, both astrology and science itself would have to change profoundly. Perhaps this will happen someday. But one thing I am certain of is that astrology can bring far greater benefit to people than it currently does.
To conclude this historical overview, here are a few names of the most well-known figures in our time. Though the history of astrology is filled with brilliant thinkers you will encounter in your studies.
* Ptolemy (2nd century CE) – one of the founders of both astronomy and astrology. There is little need to list his numerous contributions to astronomy—these can be found in many reference works. At the same time, Ptolemy is the author of the Tetrabiblos, the first comprehensive guide to astrology. In the Tetrabiblos, he attempted to thoroughly explain astrological principles from the perspective of the science of his era.
* Al-Biruni (10th–11th centuries) – left behind works on medicine, geography, physics, astronomy, and also wrote the treatise “The Book of Instruction in the Elements of the Art of Astrology,” essentially a beginner’s textbook on astrology.
* Paracelsus (15th–16th centuries), the legendary healer who considered astrology an integral part of his art. He wrote that a physician without the art of interpreting astrological constellations is a “pseudomedic,” and that medicines reside in the heavens.
* Tycho Brahe (16th century), known as the “King of Astronomers,” was also an astrologer and alchemist. He achieved the highest precision in astronomical measurements and wrote astrological almanacs for the King of Denmark, interpreting the horoscopes of his children. Some of Tycho Brahe’s predictions gained widespread fame.
* Johannes Kepler (16th–17th centuries), the great astronomer whose laws form the basis for calculating the orbits of spacecraft. In his first astrological almanac, he predicted an exceptionally cold winter and the invasion of the Turks into Austria. When both predictions came true, Kepler earned a reputation as a prophet. While rejecting vulgar astrology, such as today’s newspaper “horoscopes,” he introduced new elements into astrological theory.
* Carl Gustav Jung (19th–20th centuries), the most famous psychologist and psychiatrist. He studied astrology seriously and used it in his practice. One of his astrological experiments gained wide popularity and became a compelling reason to reflect on human nature and the essence of astrology.
Quite a company, isn’t it? So join in!
The subject of astrology is the correspondence between the Macrocosm and the Microcosm. The same idea expressed in the most ancient esoteric text, the Emerald Tablet: “As above, so below.” The Macrocosm (“that which is above”) is the Universe as a whole, or more precisely, the view of the Universe as seen by an earthly observer. The Microcosm (“that which is below”) is any entity or holistic system: the Earth, humanity, the global economy, a separate country or nation, a family, a marital union, an individual person, a dog named Zhuchka, a frog, a microbe…
Astrology holds that every Microcosm is, in principle, structured. And if something changes in the Macrocosm, a corresponding change, more or less apparent, occurs in all its projections. Every element of the Macrocosm has a correspondence in all the numerous Microcosms. For example, the planet Mars (an element of the Macrocosm) corresponds to the army in the Microcosm of a state, the musculature in the Microcosm of the human body, iron in the Microcosm of nature, knives and other sharp tools in the Microcosm of human industry, young men in the Microcosm of human society, and so on. The correspondence in question is not literal but based on symbolic similarity. In other words, it is a symbolic correspondence.
The astrologer’s work, in the broadest terms, involves taking an instantaneous snapshot of the Macrocosm at the moment of interest, studying it, and drawing conclusions about what is happening at that moment in the Microcosm that interests the astrologer.
Astrology can be divided into two branches: natural and judicial astrology (various sources may present different classifications, sometimes contradictory, but the essence matters more than the names). Natural astrology deals with nature in its entirety, excluding humans and human society. This branch includes astrometeorology (studying the connection between the Macrocosm and terrestrial weather), earthquake and volcanic eruption prediction, agricultural astrology (cultivating plants and tending animals in alignment with Macrocosmic configurations), and other similar fields of study. In the centuries when the Church was the primary force hindering the development of astrology, natural astrology remained beyond criticism—it was permissible to practice.
Judicial astrology examines everything related to humans and human society. It is this branch that has always been the target of Church criticism, as it was said that humans should not concern themselves with their own fate—everything is in God’s hands.The main branches of judicial astrology include: the study of the potential of personality and fate reflected in the birth horoscope (or natal chart). Methods of natal astrology allow us to assume how fate will unfold during the period of interest, i.e., to make predictions. One of the subdivisions of natal astrology—synastry—examines the problems of interaction between two microcosms (two people or, for example, a person and a collective). Mundane astrology studies large communities of people—nations, states—their interactions, development, political and economic activities. Astrology of initiatives (Catarchic) includes horary and electional astrology, which deal with human initiative. Horary astrology examines the horoscope cast at the moment a specific question is asked and evaluates the prospects of the endeavor associated with that question. Electional astrology selects the best moment to implement a plan. These, in general, are the areas of research covered by astrology. We will begin with the study of the alphabet of astrology—the general concepts that are present in any astrological research. Then we will move on to the construction of a horoscope—a kind of map of the Macrocosm at the moment of interest to us. And then we will gradually focus on natal astrology, since it is our own lives and the lives of our loved ones that primarily interest us.
Lectures will be sent to all subscribers of the “Astrology Lessons for Everyone” mailing list, and they will always be available on my website Galactica.ru. If you have any questions, you can ask them on the “Feedback” page of my website. Unfortunately, the insane activity of spammers prevents me from providing my address in an explicit form.
Lecture 2. The Alphabet of Astrology: Planets
The Role of Planets in Astrology
Thus, astrology is based on the principle of similarity. As above, so below. Different projections of the Absolute are similar to one another. Events unfolding in the Cosmos help us better understand ourselves. And what do we primarily notice when we turn our attention to the surrounding Cosmos? Of course, the Sun and the Moon. There is no need to say more. And what else? Stars. There are so many of them, and, in the opinion of most of our educated contemporaries, they are so alike… But our dark ancestors understood the stars better and noticed that the majority of them move uniformly, as if “in formation,” making repeated revolutions around the Earth-bound observer, while some prominent little stars have their own, but some prominent little stars have their own stellar background. These are the planets. At first glance, they are free, like gods, and it is no coincidence that they were given the names of gods. In astrological terminology, the Sun and the Moon are also called planets, although their role has always been special: after all, they are still luminaries. Together, they form the seven traditional planets—Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. These planets are called traditional because they have been used in astrological practice since ancient times. The invention of the telescope added Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto to this company. Later, planetoids, asteroids, and any other exotic bodies came into use. Some astrologers believe that the more factors they use in their work, the more information they will obtain. However, the branches of astrology known for their high effectiveness in solving everyday human problems—namely, Indian and medieval European astrology—use only the seven traditional planets. After all, the matter is not in the quantity of information, but in the ability to comprehend, interpret, and derive benefit from it.
In my lectures, I will use ten planets: the traditional seven (the so-called septenary) and the three higher ones—Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Additionally, I will share my thoughts on Chiron. This planetoid is very popular among American astrologers, and I have some experience that shows that in a number of cases, Chiron indeed provides interesting information. And, of course, we will use the Lunar Nodes, which are not planets but are so important that they will be the subject of a separate lecture.
Now, let’s talk about the role of planets in astrology. They are, without a doubt, the main actors, as the entire interpretation of the horoscope is built around the planets. It should be noted that astrological planets are not the same as the planets of the Solar System. Astrological planets are higher principles that manifest differently in various projections of the Macrocosm. For example, the astrological Sun is represented in nature by the metal gold, in a state by the supreme ruler, and in the Solar System by the astronomical Sun, our luminary. It has countless other projections in all conceivable and inconceivable microcosms. If we indulge in a bit of philosophy and imagine the world as a reflection of some unknowable Absolute, then astrological planets are the attributes of the Absolute, so to speak, its hands and feet, and therefore just as infinite and unknowable as the Absolute itself.
However, these are lofty matters, and we have come to astrology to engage in practice. How can we practically explain to an astrology student what, say, the astrological Sun is and how to interpret it in horoscope work? It is impossible to list all possible manifestations of the Sun. But we can provide many different meanings so that a person can form an abstract principle reflected in them for themselves. This is the approach followed by al-Biruni in his book—he provides multi-page lists of correspondences for different planets. In our time, a similar approach is usually represented by lists of keywords. I will also present to you comprehensive tables of keywords for the planets, which I developed several years ago under the guidance of Avgustina Pylypivna Semenko.
Another approach is to try to convey in words the main idea underlying the principle of a planet and illustrate it with two or three examples. Of course, this idea will very limitedly express the boundless essence of the planet, but it is usually sufficient to plant the seed of understanding in the student’s mind. And then, in practice, they will grow and develop their own creative understanding of the principles of the planets. This method can be called the narrative method, as opposed to the method of mere keywords. I understand that to a person with a rational mind, all this sounds completely unscientific. However, this is why astrology was often called an Art—the “stick and rope” method, so beloved and familiar to modern materialistic science, is rarely applicable here. Successful work requires deep understanding and practical experience.
I will try to present my understanding of the planets through the narrative method and then provide multi-faceted keyword tables—just in case.
Classification of Planets
Planets can be divided into several groups: luminaries, personal planets, social planets, and higher planets.
The luminaries—the Sun and the Moon—play the most important role in the horoscope, providing a general, global characterization of a person and their life.
Personal planets primarily characterize the features of personality: perception of information, likes and dislikes, etc. Of course, they also contribute to a person’s social orientation, but their primary role is as representatives of the individual.
The social orientation of a person, their attitude toward society as a whole and its various strata, is primarily reflected by the social planets—Jupiter and Saturn. Close in meaning (and in speed of movement) to these planets are the Lunar Nodes, which, although not planets, are among the most important factors in the horoscope.
The higher planets—Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—should be approached in astrology in a special way. After all, it is no coincidence that they were discovered much later than the traditional planets of the septenary. The higher planets demonstrate something that transcends everyday human life. These are either very large-scale processes of national significance, which ordinary people cannot influence, or deep psychological phenomena that, as a rule, also lie beyond the control of everyday consciousness.
The Sun
At a lofty theoretical level, the Sun is the spiritual, physical, and energetic center of our local cosmos, comparable to the Divine principle in a person, the Spark of God, or, in the language of occultists, the monad.There must exist something truly powerful capable of organizing inert dead matter through its influence, infusing it with life, granting it reason and the ability to create. On another level, the Sun symbolizes the source of creativity within a person. Individuals in whom the Sun principle is most prominently expressed do not wish to lead a routine existence. They want to be creators, akin to God, in the area of life that most captivates them, arranging everything according to their own understanding, being themselves rather than imitating others. Conversely, those around them strive to follow them, as representatives of the Sun radiate a creative energy that infects others with their passion for creation. The Sun is undoubtedly the most noticeable celestial object and therefore often symbolizes in the horoscope prominent, outstanding people capable of influencing their surroundings. In a state, as noted earlier, it represents the supreme ruler or ruling elite. In many cases, the Sun symbolizes in the horoscope the father, and in a woman’s horoscope—also the husband, or simply mature men who know their worth and in one way or another participate in the life of the horoscope owner.
Attempting to summarize the above, one arrives at the disheartening conclusion that the Sun embodies centrality, prominence, high visibility, and a high energy level. In the human body, the Sun corresponds to the heart—the central engine of the organism, which throughout life ensures the delivery of “warmth and light” in the form of nutrients and oxygen—and the brain as the center of consciousness. The Sun is also associated with the right eye in men and the left eye in women. In character, the Sun manifests as great self-confidence and a strongly expressed creative principle. Such a person is self-sufficient, has their own opinion on everything, and if they listen to others, it is mainly out of politeness. They allow others to orbit around them, just as planets orbit the Sun, and people are drawn to the solar individual because they help them see meaning in life and provide a point of reference. They are natural organizers, not by forcing everyone into a single line and assigning tasks, but simply by naturally finding themselves at the center of any endeavor, around which everything harmoniously and naturally falls into place. The creative principle manifests in the fact that the solar person always and everywhere prefers to act according to their own judgment—however they deem appropriate. They accept no dictates and strive to leave their personal imprint on everything. They are individualists in the best sense of the word, as they set an example for others of what a person can achieve if they respect and believe in themselves.
Problems in the horoscope related to the Sun usually have an inherited or congenital nature. Most often, they arise in relationships with the father or paternal relatives. These issues are given as a constant part of life’s lesson and are unlikely to be eliminated. However, one can structure life so that these flaws, if not transformed into strengths, do not hinder progress along the chosen path. They were necessary for the monad when it chose incarnation conditions, even if this choice cannot always be logically explained.
Now, here are the key words. O.F. Semenko attached great importance to them, and we devised various exercises with key words that, we hoped, would help students begin interpreting horoscopes independently. Perhaps I will introduce these exercises to you when we reach the section on horoscope interpretation.
The words in the table are divided into “planes of being” and “areas of life.” The higher plane is the level of abstract principles, while the lower is that of inanimate matter. “Areas of life” refer to the scale of consideration, from the individual person to nature as a whole. Of course, the key words I propose can be altered, supplemented, or otherwise modified if you feel your understanding of the planet does not align with mine.
Moon
In an esoteric sense, the Moon symbolizes the material shell that the monad receives upon incarnating on Earth. The Moon governs the subconscious (while the Sun governs consciousness), reflexes, and automatic systems of the organism, which constitute the majority. The Moon’s activity is daily and mundane, thus usually unnoticed, yet vitally necessary. In a state, the Moon symbolizes the people who feed and sustain the ruler; in society, it represents the masses, the crowd, which, no matter how much it is urged toward lofty achievements, always prioritizes food, clothing, and the simplest physiological pleasures. In the family, the Moon is associated with the mother, the wife, and is directly linked to the concept of family as the most important environment for human existence and as the means of biological continuation of the species. Problems related to the Moon in a woman’s horoscope may reflect her ability to conceive, carry, and give birth to a child. Based on the Moon’s position, one can fairly accurately determine how a person perceives their mother and how they relate to their children.
In a person’s character, the Moon corresponds to household management, the ability to perform a multitude of necessary tasks effortlessly, out of habit. A housewife is the brightest manifestation of the lunar principle: she spends the entire day washing, ironing, shopping, cleaning, and cooking… A husband returning from work does not notice how much has been done—everything is as it should be, everything is normal.
If we are interested in the functioning of the organism and a person’s health, it is crucial to carefully examine the Moon’s position. The Sun is the source of energy, while the Moon is its distributor. It orbits the Earth, changing its phases as if striving to ensure that every living being receives its necessary portion of cosmic energy. In the body, the Moon is primarily associated with all fluid environments and mucous membranes, as well as organs that have the form of a hollow sac or contain fluid within. The skin is largely tied to the Moon, though its purely protective functions are linked to Saturn. The Moon governs the stomach, mammary glands, and possibly the elbow joints. Additionally, among its most important projections in the body are the uterus and the right eye in women or the left eye in men.
Mercury
In mythology, Mercury serves as the messenger or herald of the gods, and his significance in astrology largely reflects this role. In our information-saturated age, one of Mercury’s primary functions is the reception, processing, and transmission of information. Depending on its position in the horoscope, one can discern whether a person grasps information quickly or requires significant time to assimilate it, whether they are quick-witted or slow-thinking, and how successfully the horoscope owner can convey their thoughts to others. Mercury is closely tied to human thought and reveals its characteristics: whether it is visual or analytical, whether the person prefers dealing with numbers, facts, or broad ideas and vague concepts. Language is also a function of Mercury. In one position in the horoscope, it may bestow eloquence, while in another, speech defects. Yet Mercury is not solely concerned with information. It governs the transportation and transfer of matter and energy—for example, the delivery of goods—and thus falls under its patronage trade and transportation. An active Mercury grants a person flexibility, mobility, agility, cunning, adaptability, and an interest in what is happening around them. Depending on its position in the horoscope, it may emphasize its material side—dexterity, commercial abilities, skill in negotiation and finding shortcuts—or be most prominent in the intellectual, theoretical sphere.
When Mercury is reflected in a person’s appearance, we see the type of the “eternal student,” who retains a youthful image into old age.In the body, Mercury is primarily associated with the brain as the center of information processing, the lungs, the hands (especially the palms), the nervous system, and the organs of speech, but it also plays an important role in the functioning of the circulatory system and the intestines. Here are the key keywords for Mercury:
Venus
It’s hardly worth reminding that in mythology Venus is the goddess of love. However, some astronomical facts about Venus are well worth your attention. Even if all the stars in the sky were gathered in one place, they would not surpass Venus in brilliance when it is at its fullest. It is second only to the Sun and the Moon; on a moonless night, it can cast shadows, so it is justly considered the third most noticeable object in the starry sky. If we recall the principle “as above, so below”—the guiding principle of an astrologer—we must admit that we may be underestimating the importance of Venus in the horoscope by placing it on par with other personal planets. If it is so prominent, it must also be no less significant.
In astrology, Venus is naturally associated with love, beauty, the ability to establish mutual understanding with others on an emotional level, but also with values (and a person’s attitude toward them), including money. The position of Venus in the horoscope allows us to judge what and who a person likes, what they expect in love, how developed their sensuality is, whether they know how to and strive to be attractive, and what they consider beautiful. A true representative of Venus seeks to resolve all issues through compromise, knows how to relax and rest, and understands how to bring pleasure to another person. He or she strives to look attractive and uses all sorts of additional means for this—jewelry, cosmetics, especially fashionable clothing, and pays great attention to hairstyle.
In nature, Venus is most closely associated with the plant kingdom, and I have noticed that people with a strong Venus excel at caring for plants. It seems they do nothing special, yet their plants thrive. Conversely, those with Venus in a challenging position, no matter how much they care for plants, see them wither and die.
Venus’s role in the body is to maintain a delicate balance: even under very unfavorable external influences, the body maintains an environment conducive to the most delicate and capricious biochemical reactions. Many organs and systems help it with this task, but first and foremost, it is the kidneys and the endocrine glands. The connection between Venus and the thyroid gland and adrenal glands is especially close. It is interesting that ancient Greek sculptors depicted Hera, the goddess of fertility (and fertility is one of Venus’s attributes), as having an enlarged thyroid gland.
Key words for Venus:
Mars
Mars is primarily associated with the purposeful expenditure of energy. It also embodies the passionate, instinctive principle in a person, linking it to animals. In human character, Mars manifests as activity, independence, initiative, energy, passion, and courage. A person does not drift with the current but pursues their goals, actively intervening in events. If Martian qualities are expressed excessively, one can speak of rudeness, intemperance, aggressiveness, and malice.
Since the main “energy consumer” in human life is work, Mars and the features of its position in the horoscope often help us understand what kind of work a person is inclined toward and how stable their energy potential is. Mars is also very important when studying the horoscopes of athletes.
As the embodiment of the masculine principle in nature, Mars helps us understand, through its position in a woman’s horoscope, what type of man is ideal for her. At the same time, in a man’s horoscope, the features of Mars’s position will reveal how pronounced his purely masculine qualities are.
In nature, Mars is associated with heat, fire, and high temperatures, and in the body, similar states are characteristic of it: burns, inflammatory processes, suppuration, and febrile conditions. In other words, the body’s “combat operations” against external infection. Mars is linked to sharp, cutting tools, and in terms of health, to wounds, bleeding, and surgical interventions.
The connection between Mars and relations between the sexes, with procreation, is obvious, and here it closely interacts with Venus. While Venus symbolizes the attraction that arises between people, Mars is the active impulse that spurs action and conquers the beloved. Harmonious interaction between Mars and Venus in the partners’ horoscopes is a great aid to a successful shared life.
On an anatomical level, Mars governs the muscles and ligaments, as well as the head (through the sign Aries), the genitals, and the bladder (through the sign Scorpio). Traditionally, Mars is considered the ruler of the bile and gallbladder.
Key words for Mars:
Jupiter
Jupiter is the largest planet in the Solar System. It marks the beginning of a group of planets that differ greatly from the already familiar Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Earth. Take, for example, the distance from the Sun. Jupiter is located 3.5 times farther from the central luminary than Mars, and between these two planets lies a vast empty space in which only asteroids move.
Furthermore, the substance from which Jupiter is composed differs greatly from that of the preceding planets. It is not heavy rocky material but some ethereal substance, only slightly denser than water. And yet, due to its enormous size, Jupiter is very heavy and significantly influences the course of events in the Solar System, including the movement of its center of mass and the formation of sunspots.
Jupiter has 12 moons, some of them quite large—forming a planetary system of its own. I have encountered the hypothesis that Jupiter is an unripened star. Later, when the Sun has exhausted its fuel and begins to fade, Jupiter will transform into a star—and it already has planets in its retinue.
Pay attention to the similarity between Jupiter’s astronomical features and its astrological portrait. This planet, composed of ethereal matter yet setting the tone for the entire Solar System, in astrology governs ideas and beliefs that, while seemingly unreal, still move the world. The enormous Jupiter also symbolizes expansion, development, venturing beyond освоеного пространства and is therefore associated with long-distance travel, foreign affairs, higher education, and inflation—“inflation” of the money supply.
Jupiter is a symbol of faith, for when it comes to the limitless and the unknown, only faith guides a person forward. It is the patron of religion, gives a person optimism, and in Indian astrology Jupiter is called Guru—as in a spiritual teacher.
In terms of character traits, Jupiter is most closely associated with generosity, but also with carefreeness. Jupiter, like Mercury, is connected to the human mind and intellect. However, Mercury’s knowledge consists of facts, details, and various information; its mind is cunning, quick-witted, and sly. At the same time, Jupiter’s knowledge is a worldview, philosophical concepts, religious ideas, and the wisdom characteristic of it.
Jupiter allows one to grasp the general essence, to capture the underlying idea of phenomena, which is why it has long been considered the patron of sciences. Mercury is the process of scientific inquiry, while Jupiter is its goal and content.
In classical astrology, Jupiter is called the Greater Benefic (while Venus is the Lesser Benefic). It is believed to watch over a person, protect them, and even in the most critical situations help avoid the worst outcome. However, every planet has both positive and negative sides. If Jupiter’s qualities are expressed excessively, a person may display unfounded optimism, boastfulness, and “hat-tipping.” They may be an incorrigible idealist who refuses to acknowledge surrounding reality and is obsessed with their own ideas.Jupiter is in one way or another connected in the body with all the major organs and muscles, primarily with the liver and thighs, then with the lungs, brain, circulatory system—especially its arterial part. There is also a suggestion that Jupiter governs the blood in general, semen, and the right ear. Its principle necessarily participates in all processes of growth, development, and increase in size, and therefore may be the key to the formation of tumors, obesity, and any pathological tissue overgrowth. However, it should be remembered that Jupiter’s negative qualities manifest only under unfavorable circumstances (both life circumstances and those related to changes in the horoscope). Usually, Jupiter’s connection with human health is a good sign, indicating resistance to adverse influences. Diseases associated with Jupiter’s position in a particular Zodiac sign are more likely to manifest when a person loses faith in themselves and their higher purpose, succumbs to pessimism, and loses their life’s goal. Support from society or a meeting with a wise Teacher can significantly improve the situation.
Here are the key words for Jupiter:
Saturn is the farthest of the planets visible to the naked eye, and for many centuries, until the invention of the telescope, it marked the boundary of the Solar System in the eyes of astronomers and astrologers. This giant planet, second in size only to Jupiter, appears small and dim from Earth—all because Saturn is located very far from us, twice as far as Jupiter. Many mysteries are associated with Saturn. Suffice it to recall the image of this planet surrounded by rings, the origin of which scientists continue to debate. Although the rings, now known to every child and giving Saturn a particularly “cosmic” appearance, were discovered only in the 17th century. Symbolically, however, the planet that seems to “encircle” the visible part of our local cosmos is itself marked by a ring. In the astrological order, Saturn occupies the seventh place—and it is now known that its ring is not uniform; it consists of seven main rings and many additional ones. It is also interesting that Saturn essentially has its own planetary system—it has 17 moons, more than any other planet. One of them, Titan, is larger than the “full-fledged” planets Mercury and Pluto, has its own atmosphere, in which scientists have detected carbon and various interesting chemical compounds. There is a suggestion that life could exist there on Titan, if it is not too cold at a temperature of -180°C. Although who said that life is possible only in the form we know?
Although we now know that there are planets beyond its orbit, Saturn continues to limit the region of the Solar System accessible to direct human perception. In traditional astrology, Saturn was called the Guardian of the Threshold; it embodies the boundary between the real and the unreal, the tangible and the illusory, what is accessible through direct experience and what a person can only touch by leaving their physical body. It guards our existence, preventing us from dissolving into the boundless incomprehensible. The image of the boundary, the limit that cannot be crossed without serious consequences, extends to other astrological meanings of Saturn. This planet symbolizes obstacles, restrictions, deprivations, and reminds us of the inevitable end of all things—including life. Saturn’s principle gives everything structure and rhythm. For example, in the human body, it governs the skeleton, the body’s support, and the physical coverings that protect us from the external environment.
Saturn, in an astrological sense, is in many ways the opposite of Jupiter. If Jupiter symbolizes expansion, development, then Saturn represents contraction, inhibition. Jupiter seeks to go beyond limits, while Saturn sets those limits. Jupiter gives a person optimism, while Saturn brings pessimism and depression. In general, Saturn in one way or another contradicts all visible planets. The Sun gives a person energy, while Saturn takes it away. The Moon nourishes life, while Saturn reminds us that “nothing is eternal under the Moon.” Mercury seeks knowledge, while Saturn says: stop, you cannot go further—cling to logic, or you will lose your mind. Venus seeks beauty and affection, while Saturn is associated with dark, dull colors, gloom, and detachment. The fiery Mars seeks to act and encounters the cold disciplining rules of Saturn. It is no wonder that in old astrological books Saturn is also called the Great Malefactor.
Saturn does not rush anywhere; it moves more slowly than the other visible planets and completes its cycle through the Zodiac in about 30 years. It is also called the Lord of Time, for it is time that allows us to establish the rhythm and structure of our lives. It is believed that in the first thirty years of life, during Saturn’s first orbit, a person merely matures to become a full-fledged member of society, finding their place in it. Saturn lays the foundation of the Temple of the Self. At the age of 29.5–30, major changes often occur in a person’s life, frequently associated with losses, difficulties, and obstacles. These changes are especially noticeable if the person has not found their path in life in the previous years: now, becoming socially mature, they strive at all costs to find their true path and build the walls of the Temple of the Self. Another important milestone comes at the age of 59–60: Saturn completes its second orbit. The time has come to crown the dome of the Temple of the Self—what has been created in previous years must be perfected and passed on to others.
So who is Saturn—the Malefactor or the Guardian, the Master, the Threshold Keeper? In the most generalized perception, it appears as a Stern Teacher whose lessons are often painful and unpleasant, yet absolutely necessary. They are like the force of gravity, which does not allow us to easily carry loads, yet without it we would not be able to stay on the surface of the Earth. Saturn, through its lessons, keeps a person on the Path of Destiny, forcing them to master all that they were born on Earth to accomplish. However, one should not speak of Saturn only in terms of punishment and coercion. It can also be an invaluable helper, giving the ability to concentrate, the skill to create order, to put everything in its place, patience, systematic thinking, seriousness, and in some cases, longevity.
Here are the key words for Saturn:
The Lunar Nodes are not planets. Moreover, they do not correspond to any real existing objects. And yet, you can find references to them as the Head and Tail of the Dragon in medieval Arabic and European sources, under the names Rahu and Ketu in Indian astrological works written in Sanskrit, the antiquity of which is difficult to imagine. So why do these imaginary points in space hold such great significance in all astrological traditions? The fact is that the Lunar Nodes are the points where the Moon’s orbit intersects the ecliptic, or the path along which the Sun moves relative to the stars. These are truly unique nodes that unite the two most important cosmic principles—the solar and the lunar.
Our distant ancestors noticed that solar and lunar eclipses do not occur randomly but in quite specific points in the sky, which do not remain stationary but move according to a certain law. Myth-inspired thinking saw in these two points the head and tail of a celestial Dragon that swallows the luminaries during eclipses. Interestingly, both in Indian and European traditions, despite their apparent differences and geographical distance, the imagery revolves around a dragon or serpent. The node where the Moon, crossing the ecliptic, moves upward toward the Earth’s North Pole is called the North or Ascending Node (it is the Head of the Dragon or Rahu), while the opposite node, where the Moon moves downward toward the South Pole, is called the South or Descending Node (the Tail of the Dragon, Ketu).
Thus, the Lunar Nodes unite the principles of the Sun and the Moon. You already know that the Sun is associated with the monad, the divine spark, the spiritual center of human essence, which travels through reincarnations from life to life, accumulating experience in each incarnation.The Moon can be compared to a material, mortal shell, constructed from earthly matter and serving as a temporary abode for the Sun-monad in this particular life. If we speak of the Lunar Nodes as a connecting link between the principles of the Sun and the Moon, then they symbolize, in a general sense, the chain of incarnations through which the human soul passes. It is no coincidence that the Lunar Nodes are often called the “karmic factor” of the horoscope and are used to judge past and future incarnations. It is also no coincidence that the Lunar Nodes, as experienced by many astrologers, are often associated with near-death experiences—that is, a state in which a person finds themselves near the boundary of their current incarnation.
The line (axis) of the Lunar Nodes in the horoscope can be compared to the river of life along which each of us flows. The current of the river is directed from the South Node to the North Node. In other words, the North Node leads us toward the achievement of life’s purpose, though it is unlikely that this goal will ever be fully attained. The longer we move toward the North Node, the greater the likelihood that beyond the next turn, an even more attractive prospect will open up. The South Node is the path already traveled by the river. It becomes increasingly significant, growing as we move toward the North Node. The path already taken is something familiar, and though not always pleasant, it is at least somewhat familiar. The past experience associated with the South Node forms the foundation for progress, but it can also weigh us down.
How can one practically understand the position of the Lunar Nodes in the chart? For this, it is helpful to remember the key words that astrologer Frances Sakoian gives to the Lunar Nodes:
The North Node—integration into the general flow;
The South Node—exception from the general flow.
The “flow” or “river of life” in real circumstances is often represented by a certain direction dictated by life circumstances, sometimes by societal trends, or by a group of people with which a person identifies. Sometimes a person calmly and steadily flows with the current; sometimes they are tossed from one stream to another—and all these features of human life are shown to us by the Lunar Nodes.
The North Node is the goal, and the goals in our lives are usually collective in nature. Imagine how many people in any country dream of buying an apartment, a car, a garage… There are probably more than a few who aspire to become President. Hence the key words “integration into the general flow” for the North Node, the factor of integration. Conversely, accumulated life experience separates us, since each person’s experience is unique. It is difficult to find two people whose past lives were not only identical but even similar in broad strokes. We are all very different—and this is precisely what the South Node speaks of, the factor of accumulated experience, the factor of disintegration.
It is interesting that in the key words for the Lunar Nodes proposed by American astrologer Michael Munkasey in his book, words like tunnels, channels, pipes, and other similar objects often appear. The pair of Lunar Nodes very well describes a pipe: after all, a pipe provides a certain general flow (North Node), but only due to the separation of its inner cavity from the external environment (South Node). Though perhaps it is not a pipe, but a snake or a dragon? It is also interesting that many people who have had near-death experiences recall moving through a certain tunnel. Could this not have been a direct perception of the theme of the Lunar Nodes?
The North Node is inseparable from the South Node. They form a complementary pair, and in the horoscope, one can imagine a vector or arrow resting on the South Node, with its tip pointing to the North Node. The pair of Lunar Nodes in the horoscope sets the vector of an individual’s evolution, indicating the path they should take to transform collective goals into personal experience, to gradually approach the purpose of their existence while living within the circumstances of their current life.
I would like to offer you a key to interpreting the Lunar Nodes: go where the North Node points, and then the problems of the South Node will resolve themselves. Seeking to directly resolve the problems of the South Node, you will only intensify them. Recall the image of the “river of life.” You can choose not to swim toward an unknown goal but to return to already familiar lands. You will immediately feel that you are wrong—for you will have to go against the current. You will not solve the task of the North Node in this way, since you will not be moving toward your goal. And the problem of the South Node will also remain unresolved; it will stagnate in place—for the path already traveled will cease to grow.
You can read more about the Lunar Nodes in my article “Lunar Nodes, or A Life Guide.”
Key words for the Lunar Nodes:
The highest planets—Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto—play a special role in astrology. After all, historically, they were discovered quite recently. Traditional schools of astrology managed—and still manage—with just the seven visible planets. I am currently actively studying medieval astrology, and in that system, the higher planets simply do not fit in at all.
Theoretically speaking, since the higher planets are invisible to the naked eye, they must symbolize something in our lives that is also invisible to the naked eye. That is, large-scale social and political processes beyond the control of an individual, or deep psychological processes beyond the reach of human consciousness. However, practice shows that the higher planets can manifest quite clearly in everyday life. Books often contain statements about the “theft” of the higher planets, since when they manifest in daily life, various “revolutions” occur, accompanied by chaos and uncertainty.
That may be so, but one cannot deny that Uranus, for example, gives an unforgettable sense of freedom, often manifesting as an interest in flight, aviation, and space. Neptune bestows lofty inspiration, spiritual enthusiasm, awakening an interest in all things mysterious, and in earthly life, a pull toward the sea and everything connected with it. As for Pluto, I have yet to find the right words for it; the experiences associated with it are truly difficult and traumatic. Though perhaps it is precisely after Pluto has “passed” thoroughly through one’s fate that one realizes how wonderful it is simply to be alive.
The higher planets are important for those who seek to touch the Unknown; it is they that spur us to seek the highest meaning in life. And they are often prominently placed in our horoscopes. Uranus, with its celestial-cosmic orientation, is considered the patron of astrologers; Neptune, of clairvoyants and seers; Pluto, of magicians. But in principle, the higher planets complement one another when we attune ourselves to their vibrations in the search for truth.
Uranus is a rather strange planet, even in the purely objective, astronomical sense. The fact is that its axis of rotation is tilted by more than 90 degrees, causing Uranus to race through space lying on its side. While on Earth, polar days and nights are known only to inhabitants of the Far North, on Uranus, the polar circle lies at a latitude of 6 degrees—that is, by Earth’s standards, at the latitude of Jakarta, Colombo, or Bogotá. And there, polar days and nights last 20 Earth years each. What other planet could allow itself such a thing? Only Uranus, the great original. And it was discovered not by a professional scientist but by an amateur astronomer. Herschel was a musician, an organist, who made his own telescope and, in his free time from work, observed the stars. One of the “stars” that turned out to be a new planet of the solar system brought him worldwide fame, as the current name Uranus was not immediately accepted; for many years, it was called Herschel.
The influence that the discovery of Uranus had on astrology can be compared to a powerful earthquake. The very foundations of astrological theory were called into question. Imagine: for centuries, astrologers used only seven planets, and that was quite sufficient to describe everything that happened in the world; their significance and roles were thoroughly studied and recorded in treatises. But then an eighth planet appeared.Which part of the already divided world can it be compared to? It is unclear. After all, the discovery of Uranus is quite natural, and primarily from the perspective of astrology. Saturn, the farthest of the planets visible to the naked eye, symbolizes the boundary, the limit that does not allow one to go beyond the perceived reality. But when, as a result of intellectual and spiritual development, humanity nevertheless began to penetrate behind the veil of mystery, when it lacked what was apparently invisible to the naked eye, and Uranus was discovered—the symbol of enlightenment and overcoming existing conventions—was revealed. By the way, it was discovered with the “armed eye,” using a telescope—that is, as a result of humanity’s technical progress. Uranus was discovered on March 13, 1781. To feel the spirit of that time, it is enough to look at the events that took place in the world within 10 years before and after the discovery of Uranus. The first thing that catches the eye is the sharp intensification of the struggle for independence worldwide. In 1775, the American Revolution and the War of Independence began, and in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was published. A new state, founded on new, unconventional forms of governance, emerged on Earth, with freedom, independence, and human rights taking center stage. By the way, in one version of the US horoscope, Uranus is located exactly on the Midheaven. A little later, in 1789, the Great French Revolution took place. Russia was not far behind—Emelyan Pugachev’s rebellion occurred in 1773. From this, we can assume that Uranus is associated with new, unconventional forms of social structure that carve their path by destroying existing structures. On the other hand, not all mysteries of Uranus have been revealed. It has been noted, for example, that it is closely linked to dictatorial and fascist regimes, whose leaders wield unlimited power. At the same time, a revolution was also taking place in science. In 1774, oxygen was discovered, and in 1777, Lavoisier found that air consists of oxygen and nitrogen. In 1780, Galvani studied the effect of electricity on nerves and muscles. It is no wonder that Uranus is associated with new knowledge, discoveries, primarily with electricity, electronics, computer technology, and any new technologies. The exploration of space, previously inaccessible to humans, began— in 1783, the Montgolfier brothers made the first flight in a hot air balloon. And now, as I have already said, Uranus is associated with aviation and space exploration. But going beyond the boundaries of the usual and rational is always fraught with risk. Our mind is not accustomed to operating with the categories of the unknown. From this point of view, an interesting story is worth mentioning. Herschel, upon discovering Uranus, wanted to name it Georgium Sidus (Star of George) in honor of King George III of England. This king was a man of innovative character, constantly seeking new forms of governance. However, he ended his life insane. The first signs of madness appeared in 1788, shortly after the discovery of Uranus. Today, Uranus is considered one of the most important active principles in the mechanism of mental illness. If Uranus is somehow accented in a person’s horoscope, it gives originality, a reluctance to heed existing norms and traditions, and a desire for freedom and independence. The house of the horoscope where Uranus is located helps to understand in which area of life a person feels the need to be free from conventions. If the principle of Uranus is strongly expressed, a person feels the need to constantly free themselves from something, to destroy something, and to rejoice in it like a breath of fresh air after a long stay in a stuffy room. Here are the key words for Uranus:
Neptune
Neptune long fooled astronomers. They sought to calculate the position of the recently discovered Uranus with the greatest possible accuracy, but it always turned out that they were mistaken, albeit slightly. Everything indicated that beyond the orbit of Uranus, there was another planet. Amateur astronomers and students proposed to begin its search, but for some reason, the astronomical luminaries refused this idea. Eventually, a recent English student, Adams, calculated where the new planet was located, and independently, the Frenchman Le Verrier made the same calculations. Yet, some time passed before astronomer Galle finally decided to look through the telescope at the specified point in the sky. He immediately made a name for himself by discovering Neptune. This happened on September 23, 1846. After the flight of the Voyager 2 spacecraft, it became known that Neptune, like Jupiter, has a formation in its atmosphere that looks like a giant spot. Jupiter’s is called the Great Red Spot, and Neptune’s—the Great Dark Spot. Jupiter and Neptune somehow turn out to be connected; both planets are “marked.” Interestingly, in astrology, they share the same zodiac sign—Pisces. And some astrologers (including the author) believe that the sign of Sagittarius is also governed by both planets. It is interesting to connect the astrological image of Neptune with the changes in the world that accompanied its discovery. 1846 is considered a crucial milestone in medicine because it was then that American dentist Morton used anesthesia during surgery. From that moment, the widespread use of anesthesia in surgery began. Anesthetics are chemical substances designed to create the illusion of the absence of pain. And in astrology, Neptune is indeed associated with chemistry and illusions. In those years, photography was invented and actively developed and improved, allowing images of the surrounding world to be captured and preserved. And Neptune is precisely associated with images—idealized reflections of reality. Just think how attractive and colorful even the least picturesque landscapes appear in photographs. The Opium Wars took place, ending China’s isolation from the rest of the world, and opium, like other drugs and means of escape from reality, falls under the domain of Neptune. The remains of the Maya civilization were discovered on the Yucatán Peninsula, and cuneiform from Mesopotamia was deciphered, revealing vast layers of secret knowledge to humanity—all of which is very close to Neptune. The first artificial dyes were invented, and Neptune governs everything artificial designed to replace natural things and phenomena. The Communist Manifesto was published, embodying the dream of an ideal society, which later turned out to be one of humanity’s greatest mistakes. Attempts to realize this dream in reality ended in chaos, from which we have not yet escaped. The very idea of communism is the embodiment of Neptune, and “dream,” “ideal,” “mistake,” “chaos”—these are all key words for its various manifestations. In 1948, a revolution occurred in France that echoed throughout Europe. Its driving motives were very different from those of the Great French Revolution, which accompanied the discovery of Uranus. Then, the revolution was directed against the monarchy, with the goal of creating a more modern social structure. Now, however, the description of the revolution’s causes resonates with Neptune: economic depression, poor harvests in previous years, general dissatisfaction with politics… Chaos, in a word. In addition to everything mentioned, Neptune governs ideology, religion, everything supernatural and unknowable, as well as cinematography, the chemical industry, and mass media in the sense that they create an image in the public consciousness that suits the authorities in any way, but not always true. Neptune is associated with oil in general, and even with its extraction and processing; it usually occupies a prominent position in the horoscopes of states that have become fabulously wealthy from oil supplies. In an individual’s horoscope, Neptune indicates a tendency toward idealization, and therefore often toward chaos and disappointment when attempting to realize one’s ideals—but also toward higher forms of inspiration that serve as a source of creativity. When strong in a horoscope, it gives a person a certain inner longing, which some soothe by writing poetry, others by meditating, and still others by resorting to alcohol or drugs.Sometimes you can see how a person with a noticeable Neptune position fully realizes the harm of smoking but cannot refrain from occasionally smoking, suppressing an inexplicable inner anxiety within themselves. In mythology, Neptune is the god of the ocean, and in astrological studies, it is often associated with seas and oceans. Having a strong Neptune in your horoscope, I spent a huge amount of time last summer trying myself as a scuba diving instructor. Such was the driving force of the Neptune direction, whose main period of influence fell precisely on spring and summer.
Key words for Neptune:
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Pluto
Pluto was discovered quite recently, on March 13, 1930, and its role in astrology is much less understood than the roles of other planets. In the mid-century, many astrologers refrained from making judgments about Pluto—saying, in essence, that one should still observe it and think it over. In our time, people write about Pluto with much greater confidence, yet the seventy years that have passed since its discovery cannot compare with the centuries and millennia of study, reflection, and experience that other planets have accumulated.
History asserts that Pluto, like Neptune, was previously “calculated” based on the perturbations it causes in Uranus’s orbit, and only then discovered with the help of a telescope. Various sources contradict each other somewhat, but the general picture is as follows: the American astronomer Percival Lowell calculated the orbit of the supposed planet, but despite all attempts, he could not detect it. After Lowell’s death, the astronomer Clyde Tombaugh, studying sky photographs made according to Lowell’s calculations at the Lowell Observatory, discovered a celestial body later named Pluto. This “posthumous” nuance is quite characteristic of understanding Pluto in astrology.
After the discovery and evaluation of the new planet’s orbital parameters and mass, astronomers were surprised. A planet with such a small mass (hundreds of times smaller than Earth’s) and located so far away (twice as far)Further out from the Sun than Uranus, Neptune could not exert any significant influence on Uranus’s motion. Moreover, there is an opinion that its orbit is chaotic and can hardly be determined with acceptable accuracy. So how was Pluto calculated?
As the new planet was studied, it turned out to have a satellite named Charon. Moreover, Charon is so large (only half the size of Pluto itself) and so close to Pluto (at a distance of less than ten Pluto diameters) that together they essentially form a binary planet. It is believed that “Pluto-Charon” differs significantly in composition from all previous planets, from Saturn to Neptune — it is a rocky core covered with water and methane ice. In contrast, both the planet and its satellite resemble numerous small planet-like objects located at roughly the same distance from the Sun and forming what is called the Kuiper Belt. Pluto and Charon are the most prominent representatives of this numerous host of celestial bodies.
The mythological Pluto is the god of the underworld, and if we try to project mythical realms onto the reality of our world, it corresponds to the Earth’s inner core — mysterious, unexplored, containing energy capable of shifting continents and transforming ocean floors into mountain ranges. Very often, Pluto plays an important role in the most powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Pluto is also associated with the energy of organized human masses. The image toward which these masses are directed is linked to Neptune, but their immeasurable power — capable of creating grand cultural monuments or destroying entire civilizations — is one of Pluto’s aspects. This image is especially prominent in mass organizations whose members wear uniforms, and here we see an analogy with the Kuiper Belt — a multitude of small cosmic objects homogeneous in composition.
Pluto is also connected with the deepest layers of the human unconscious, which, if they find an outlet, can completely transform a person’s personality and fate, destroy them, or revive them. It plays an important role in one of humanity’s oldest and strongest instincts — the sexual instinct. Additionally, Pluto is usually strong in the horoscopes of people with pronounced magical abilities.
Depth psychology, which developed in the 20th century, is undoubtedly Pluto’s offspring. One of the key words for Pluto is transformation, or destruction, the complete annihilation of something followed by rebirth in a new, different form. It is linked with birth and death, which is why the mythological Charon is the ferryman of souls across the River Styx into Pluto’s underworld kingdom.
Among mass movements, Pluto corresponds most to fascism, as well as other totalitarian regimes and dictatorships, in which the ordinary person is merely a cog in a complex, powerful, and efficient state machine driven by ruthlessness. It is therefore no surprise that many totalitarian states emerged and flourished in the immediate historical vicinity of Pluto’s discovery.
In 1922, the Fascists marched on Rome, Mussolini became Prime Minister, and a Fascist dictatorship was established in the country. That same year, the USSR was formed. In 1923, a dictatorial regime was established in Spain; in 1924, *Mein Kampf*, the Nazi manifesto, was published. In 1927, a Fascist organization was founded in Romania; in 1932, the British Union of Fascists; in 1933, a Fascist party in Norway. In the same year of 1933, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, the first concentration camps were created, and the Reichstag fire served as a pretext for significantly strengthening the Nazi Party’s position. 1929 was the year of the “Great Breakthrough,” a significant consolidation of Stalin’s one-man rule, the beginning of the first Five-Year Plan, collectivization, and industrialization.
During the period immediately following Pluto’s discovery, efforts to study the atomic nucleus and elementary particles intensified, and significant progress was made in experiments involving the splitting and bombardment of atomic nuclei. Pluto gives a desire to dissect the world down to its smallest parts, to make it work for oneself, including to gain power over other people. From an astrologer’s perspective, the history of nuclear weapons is inextricably linked with Pluto.
Without exaggeration, one of the most powerful forces in our world — or perhaps the most powerful of all — is money. Pluto, of course, has not left the financial side of human life unsupervised. Literally on the eve of its discovery, the Great Depression struck the United States, and although Americans managed to avoid the “New Order” and the “Great Breakthrough” that shook Europe and the USSR, it was only Roosevelt’s “New Deal,” announced in 1932, that allowed the United States to emerge from the crisis.
In an individual horoscope, Pluto, like other outer planets, does not always manifest in everyone. But in general, it indicates areas of life and personality traits where immense energy is concentrated, leading to various difficulties, traumatic events, irreversible losses, and if something new arises from the ashes, it is entirely unfamiliar. When Pluto influences relationships with others, complex, hard-to-control emotions — jealousy, greed, envy, a desire to dominate another person — play a significant role. For this reason, some astrologers call Pluto the “planet of difficulties.” However, it is also called the “bulldozer of the Zodiac,” as Pluto can provide enormous “pushing power.” Under its influence, a person literally sweeps aside any obstacles without even noticing them.
Key words for Pluto:
***We have now reached the end of the second lecture, dedicated to a detailed examination of the planets. In closing, I would like to share my opinion regarding the recently discovered celestial object, Chiron. I am not one of those who strive to incorporate as many real and fictitious objects and “points” as possible into my practice, as I prefer simplicity and clarity of judgment. In my view, it is more important to thoroughly study what the main actors in the horoscope have to say — first and foremost, the lights, then the personal planets, and so on. After all, if approached thoroughly and in accordance with tradition, each planet must be analyzed in terms of its zodiacal status, position and dominion, possible receptions and dispositorship, and its unique role in relation to the individual (I am using many terms here, but do not worry if they are unfamiliar to you yet — everything will come in time). This is a substantial amount of work, but once completed, we can confidently assess what is happening with a person and their future. The secret to the success of traditional astrological schools lies precisely in this meticulous, systematic approach.
Many modern astrology students make the mistake of forgetting the most important factors in the horoscope and getting carried away with exotic elements. They may completely overlook what Mercury, Venus, or Mars are telling them but focus entirely on the Black Moon or White Moon, failing to perceive anything else. The result is not a horoscope interpretation but some kind of free-form composition. It is as if one were describing a person’s appearance while focusing mainly on the shape of their left ear.
I wrote all this to emphasize how cautiously and reluctantly I introduce anything new into my “tools.” That is why I have viewed with skepticism the incredible popularity that Chiron — whether an asteroid or something akin to a comet, I do not know — has gained in the astrological world, especially among American astrologers. Almost immediately after its discovery, Chiron began to be actively interpreted in horoscopes — although it usually takes many years to understand the astrological significance of a newly discovered object. As a result, in my opinion, the interpretations given to Chiron are most often quite contrived.However, my observations of Chiron and the work of the American Magi Society school finally compelled me to take a closer look at Chiron (though, I must admit, the Magi Society stretches the stick beyond all reason in its marketing efforts and distorts the astrological symbolism of planets). What I offer you here differs significantly from the descriptions of planets in previous issues—there are no established concepts here, only guesses and assumptions. And there are no key words yet—but they will come later. I present to you my thoughts on Chiron—what benefit it can bring to a practicing astrologer.
The authoritative Russian-language source on Chiron is the article about it in the “New Astrological Encyclopedia.”
So, Chiron was discovered on November 1, 1977. Its size is small, ranging from 160 to 640 km depending on the data. Thus, it does not “qualify” as a planet—it is a typical asteroid. Only its orbit is unusual. First, it is located between the orbits of Saturn and Uranus (whereas typical asteroids orbit between Mars and Jupiter). Second, its orbit is highly eccentric; sometimes Chiron even penetrates inside Saturn’s orbit, and at other times it nearly reaches Uranus. In my opinion, this very feature of its orbit may hold the key to understanding Chiron’s astrological role.
By 1983, astrological books dedicated to interpreting Chiron began to appear—remarkably quickly, considering that writing a book takes more than a day. This speed is quite understandable, however, if we consider that astrologers had been contemplating (and writing about) the astrological symbolism of Chiron as far back as the 2nd century BCE. Of course, back then, they were not referring to the asteroid-planetoid-“cometoid” Chiron, but to the constellation of the Centaur. Eratosthenes wrote in the 2nd century BCE that the Southern Centaur is Chiron, a half-man, half-horse (though do not confuse him with Sagittarius), who stood out among his wild and untamed kin (the centaurs) for his wisdom, knowledge, and love for humanity.
Serving, in modern terms, as an expert in various arts—including astronomy, philosophy, botany, music, divination, and medicine—Chiron acted as a mentor to many Greek heroes. Though immortal, he suffered a painful wound from a poisoned arrow due to Hercules’ mistake. This incurable wound gave him an understanding of the pain of other creatures, the ability to heal, and the reputation of a “healer who could not heal himself.” It was Chiron, not any other centaur, who earned a place in the sky among the constellations.
Manilius, in the 1st century CE, described the influence of the Centaur constellation in close alignment with the myth of Chiron. He attributed to it an interest in horses and healing abilities, considering it particularly important for the profession of a veterinarian. Thus, the astrological image of Chiron was largely developed long ago, and Western astrologers—at least many of them—followed this well-trodden path.
Here is a typical example of the most common approach to interpreting Chiron, attributed to Mark Griffin:
“A wise teacher, wounded healer, priest, shaman, one who serves humanity—and even what we have learned through our own suffering. Chiron can also reveal our ‘dead zones’—those traits of our personality that are obvious to everyone but not to us. It also points to what we are unable to recognize and use to our advantage. Often, Chiron indicates something we can do for others but not for ourselves—hence the inability to heal his own wound. Chiron shows how we express our love for others and how we can ease their suffering.”
Most interpretations I encountered in Western sources were more or less close to this one and relied on the mythological symbolism of the wounded healer. I tried working with this idea—but found no convincing results.
While browsing the internet one day, I stumbled upon the website of the American Magi Society school. They aggressively promoted solutions to all pressing life problems, primarily emphasizing marriage and wealth accumulation. And they placed a strong emphasis on Chiron. According to this school, certain transit changes related to Chiron indicate special, pivotal moments in life that offer a person exceptional opportunities. They call them “Cinderella Moments” or “Golden Periods”—depending on whether you are more interested in money or marriage. It is as if doors to a better life suddenly open before a person, and if they take a step through those doors, the changes that follow can seem incredible to many.
Of course, these claims intrigued me, and I began scanning my past for Golden Periods. The results were mixed: sometimes something truly remarkable happened, other times—nothing. But the catch was that some doors could open and remain unnoticed—and then, in full accordance with the Americans’ theory, nothing would happen at all.
However, I soon had the chance to test the theory’s validity: one of the most significant Golden Periods was approaching—a trine transit of transiting Chiron to natal Venus, which, moreover, is the ruler of my Ascendant. So, what doors were about to open before me? The exact aspect formed on February 7, 2001. On February 5, a person I had worked with for a long time called me and offered to go to Cyprus as a representative of his company. I should add that I had long dreamed of traveling somewhere to sunnier lands, as I was born in Central Asia and had felt a lifelong lack of sunlight. But how? Where? With what money? And what would I do there? All questions were resolved in an instant. Just one phone call. And life changed dramatically.
It is autumn on Cyprus now, and today it is gloomy, raining. But this is so unusual for the local climate that it is almost pleasant. Not so hot… How can one not believe in Chiron’s magical abilities?
The only thing is, it moves slowly—so the next Golden Period is likely still ahead.
Thus, I have come to the conclusion that, based on my own experience, the key words for Chiron from the “New Astrological Encyclopedia” resonate most strongly: key, doors opening. And these are precisely based on the position of Chiron’s orbit.Between the orbits of Saturn, the Guardian of the Threshold, and Uranus, the Liberator. Chiron, like a key, unlocks the door in the wall that separates the world of the real, the familiar, the established, from the surrounding space of fantastic possibilities. And if you have long been lingering at this door, why not take a step inside? Among the existing interpretations of Chiron, the one closest to me is that given by Avessalom Podvodny (I quote, once again, from the “New Astrological Encyclopedia”):
A. Podvodny associates Chiron with the sign of Taurus and calls it the planet that leads a person beyond ordinary everyday perception, showing them what is truly real and existing. In external life, according to Podvodny, Chiron provides an almost supernatural way out of dead-end situations, coincidences and resolutions of issues and problems that, before they happen, seem impossible, but later are understood as possible and real. Chiron gives a person a strong hint of the existence of the laws of karma; in particular, when it is active, signs begin to work that symbolically reveal the near future. In inner life, Chiron grants access to layers of the subconscious that allow one to clearly see the interaction of higher and lower principles within a person and to consciously learn to manage this process to some extent. The main function of Chiron is to expand human consciousness (and, consequently, their possibilities—though that is a secondary point), and one of its key methods is establishing connections between phenomena previously considered unrelated.
With this optimistic note, let me conclude the second lecture. In the future, as we engage in practice, we will pay attention to Chiron and see what it has to tell us.
Lecture 3. Planetary Periods
This time, we will discuss a topic rarely found in astrology textbooks. Or rather, it is almost never mentioned. And that is a shame. Many who start studying astrology do not last long because of the “steep learning curve” of various calculations, technical details, methods, and factors. You sit, calculate, calculate, and then look at this gibberish—and nothing makes sense anymore. Meanwhile, astrology can be as simple as you wish while remaining effective. Today, I will show you that it is enough to know only the principles of the planets—what each one governs—and which segments of time they rule—to gain substantial insight into a person. Knowledge of the characteristics of future periods also helps in effectively planning one’s affairs.
Yesterday, I created a program for calculating the planetary year and day (it is available in the “Astrologer’s Laboratory” section of my website Galactica.ru) to assist you with this lecture material. I wrote interpretations for different planets that govern different periods. When crafting these interpretations, I tried to stay as close as possible to the principles of the planets, but consciously or unconsciously, the people I know who embody these principles come to mind. As a result, I incorporate some traits of these individuals into the interpretations. This makes the interpretations more subjective, but also more vivid, realistic, and comprehensive.
After finishing the program, I decided to test it on relatives and acquaintances whose planetary rulers I did not know. It turned out to be so interesting! I had just written the text with certain people in mind, and suddenly I saw how this text began to accurately—and sometimes surprisingly precisely—describe entirely different people!
Perhaps I am revealing too much of my “kitchen” to you. It might have been more advantageous to adopt an air of importance and speak like a great guru. But astrology, even after many years of practice, continues to bring me the joy of discovery—especially where everything seems familiar. However, let’s get to the point.
Planetary Periods
Since ancient times, astrological tradition has held that each period is governed by a specific planet. Moreover, these periods can vary in scale—from decades to an hour. Indian astrology goes even further, with periods lasting centuries and others spanning mere fractions of a second. But we are studying Western astrology, so for practical purposes, let’s first focus on two planetary periods: the year and the day. There is also planetary time, which is most applicable in horary astrology—a topic we will eventually explore.
The idea of planetary rulers of time periods is not only important in astrology; it is also a significant part of alchemical and magical traditions. In magic, an adept chooses the appropriate day and hour to create an amulet or perform a ritual. In alchemy, the Work is also strictly tied to a specific period. Planets take turns as rulers of time periods in a specific sequence, which is depicted graphically and called the Magician’s Star:
Planetary Years
It is difficult to say exactly when this tradition began, but it clearly dates back far into the past. Each year is governed by a specific planet, and the planetary rulers follow the sequence of the Magician’s Star. The planetary year begins at the moment of the Spring Equinox. The Spring Equinox occurs at different times each year. For example, in 2002, it happened on March 20 at 19:17 GMT, while in 2003, it occurred on March 21 at 1:01 GMT. For simplicity, we can consider March 21 as the start of the next planetary year, and March 20 as the last day of the previous one.
Here is how the planetary years alternate:
You can extend this table into the past or future for as many years as you like. Just remember that the planetary year always begins on March 21. So, if you were born, say, on March 15, 1974, that year was still under Jupiter’s rulership, but if you were born on March 25, 1974, it was already the year of Mars.
Since ancient times, astrologers have believed that the ruler of the year influences the events of that year, allowing one to anticipate the general tone of what will unfold. In modern times, this concept is often overlooked—but it shouldn’t be. It simply needs to be used skillfully.
Look around: right now, we are in the year of Mars. What is the dominant theme in global news? The possibility of war with Iraq. And the intense wildfires around the world are still fresh in memory. This is how the ruler of the year reveals itself.
However, our focus now is elsewhere. For us, it is important that the ruler of the year leaves its imprint on those born in that year. What kind of imprint? We will discuss that later when we delve into interpretations.
For now, you may want to determine the planetary ruler of the year for yourself and a few people you know well.
Planetary Days
The idea that each day is governed by a particular planet is also ancient and has found expression in most human cultures. It still subtly manifests in the names of the days of the week. If you know even a little English, it’s not hard to guess that Sunday is the day ruled by the Sun, and Saturday is under Saturn’s patronage. Monday belongs to the Moon, while in cases where the planetary names are not obvious, it is because the modern names of the planets are derived from Roman gods. Each culture had its own gods corresponding to the Roman deities, and they named the days of the week (and likely the planets) after them.
For example, the English Thursday (Thor’s day) is named after the god Thor, the Norse equivalent of the Roman Jupiter—and Thursday is ruled by Jupiter. In French, the planetary rulers of the days are even more apparent: mardi (Tuesday) is ruled by Mars, mercredi (Wednesday) by Mercury, and vendredi (Friday) by Venus.
The continuous sequence of the days of the week has always been considered highly significant. For instance, when the transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar occurred, the date changed abruptly, but the sequence of the days of the week remained uninterrupted.
Now, let’s list the rulers of the days of the week in order:
Sunday – Sun
Monday – MoonTuesday is ruled by Mars. Wednesday is ruled by Mercury. Thursday is ruled by Jupiter. Friday is ruled by Venus. Saturday is ruled by Saturn. Important note: the planetary day begins at sunrise. If you were born, say, on a Friday but before sunrise, your planetary day ruler is Jupiter, not Venus. If you do not know the time of day you were born at all, “try on” both rulers: the one for your birthday and the one for the previous day. Most often, the planetary day ruler is clearly reflected in the personality traits and even in the appearance.
Now, before moving on to the interpretation of planetary day rulers, determine which day of the week you and the people you are studying—your relatives and acquaintances—were born on. I understand that determining the day of the week for an event that happened many years ago can be difficult, but that is exactly why I created the “Planetary Year and Planetary Day” program—feel free to use it.
Interpretation of the Planetary Year and Planetary Day
So, you have several people, and each has two planetary rulers. Occasionally, the same planet rules both the day and the year, but in most cases, the rulers will be different. How do you understand what these rulers give to a person and how to extract the maximum information? I am going to give you certain keys to understanding and then offer my own interpretations.
The year ruler most characterizes a person’s social image—the way society sees them and the role they play in a group. The day ruler best reflects personal traits—the way a person is in everyday life and how those closest to them see them. You could also say this: the day ruler manifests more on the physical plane—in appearance, physical characteristics—while the year ruler manifests on the behavioral plane.
Do not think that the year and day rulers are unrelated characteristics. They are, of course, connected and very closely at that. I would say that when a person steps into society, the year ruler is on display, visible from the outside, while the day ruler remains hidden inside, forming the core at the same time. In everyday, home life, the opposite is true: the day ruler shows itself in all its glory, while the year ruler hides, though it still largely determines how the day ruler manifests.
For example, I was born on April 1, 1961. My year ruler is the Sun, and to others—including you and my audience—I am a Sun person. I create what I simply cannot help but create, driven by an inner need, and I spread the fruits of my creativity around the world. But if you ask my loved ones about me, they will tell you I am an extremely gloomy type who sits hunched over a computer from morning till night, furiously typing on the keyboard. No attention or warmth from me. The reason is that I was born on a Saturday, the day ruled by Saturn. So, everything comes back to Saturn.
Now, here are the interpretations I have written to help you get started. I must warn you: any interpretation is always subjective. By that I mean it is limited by the experience and perception of a specific person. Any interpretation—mine or those you find in astrological books—provides only an idea of how a planetary principle might manifest. It can manifest in other ways, but if you know and feel the principle, you will recognize it in any expression.
Sun as the year ruler
When the Sun is the year ruler, it gives a person brightness, visibility, authority, and pronounced creative abilities. A Sun person can serve as a reference point for others; they play the role of the “axis of rotation” in a group. They prefer to do what “comes naturally” rather than what circumstances force them to do.
Sun as the day ruler
When the Sun is the day ruler, it makes a person an inexhaustible source of warmth. They easily connect with children because they approach life with the same directness as they do. Such a person is proud and likes to be followed but will never stoop to imitating others. In any situation, they prefer to play the lead role.
Venus as the year ruler
Venus as the year ruler is characteristic of a socialite, a diplomat. They understand the rules that govern society well, keep up with tastes and fashions, and know how to “show their goods to advantage,” organize presentations, attract sympathy, and turn it to their benefit.
Venus as the day ruler
A person born on a Venus day places great importance on being loved and loving in return. For this, they are willing to make concessions and compromises. A Venus person values appearance, fashionable clothing, and jewelry. In some cases, Venus makes its subject a gourmet and lover of sensual pleasures.
Mercury as the year ruler
Mercury gives a person an interest in everything happening in the world. Their subject loves to be in the thick of events, to know everything about everything, to negotiate, to advise, and to act as a mediator. They understand supply and demand, know how to bring them together, handle information skillfully, and can be very mobile and changeable.
Mercury as the day ruler
When Mercury is the day ruler, it gives a person quick-wittedness, agility, and the ability to shine with knowledge, even if it is vast. Such a person needs communication. If they have no one to talk to and nothing to read, they quickly grow bored. A Mercurian can change their opinions and intentions quite rapidly and often looks younger than their years.
Moon as the year ruler
A person born in a Moon year places great importance on the opinions of the collective and prefers to “keep in step” with everyone else. They are drawn to activities that have rhythm and no surprises. A Moon person is interested in household matters, daily life, and may show an interest in pedagogy.
Moon as the day ruler
A person born on a Moon day is usually emotional, changeable, and easily offended. Their mood changes according to laws incomprehensible to those around them. They either love to engage in household chores or feel extreme aversion to them. They easily find common ground with small children and enjoy playing with them.
Saturn as the year ruler
When Saturn is the year ruler, it gives a person a desire for order, responsibility, and systematic thinking. Its subject loves strictly structured organizations and activities where “every cricket knows its place,” and work follows a strict routine. They prefer to deal with what is reliable and long-lasting, “built to last.” They may show an interest in history, traditions—everything that carries an aura of antiquity.
Saturn as the day ruler
A person born on a Saturn day is usually serious, sometimes gloomy, and can be difficult to communicate with. When they focus on something, everything else fades into the background. They are often slow-moving and value order, even if they do not take part in maintaining it themselves. A Saturn subject is often characterized by a certain heaviness—perhaps due to an excessive sense of responsibility. They often look older than their years.
Jupiter as the year ruler
Jupiter gives an interest in large-scale activities—especially those involving great distances and expanses. A Jupiter person loves to take part in processes of development, expansion, and growth. They feel drawn to fields related to higher education, science, and international affairs.
Jupiter as the day ruler
When Jupiter is the day ruler, it gives wisdom and optimism, a desire and ability to teach others and offer advice. Such a person does not get bogged down in details; they prefer to think and act “in general and in the large.” Everything they undertake becomes grand and significant, almost global in scope. Their innate generosity of spirit helps those around them cope with difficulties.
Mars as the year ruler
People born in a Mars year typically approach life with what is commonly called an “active life position.”They need to act, find outlets for their energy, otherwise they may become aggressive, confrontational, or destructive. Such people prefer to be where everything is bustling and boiling, where they can compete, prove something to someone, shout, and wave their arms. Mars as the day ruler Born on a Mars day — a person is active, energetic, “wound up.” They readily take on work without overthinking its purpose — as long as they’re not idle. Such a person easily loses their temper but usually cools down just as quickly. They engage in sports or other activities that help expend excess energy. Try applying these interpretations to your acquaintances. I hope you find it as fascinating as I do.
About forecasts
Let’s say right away: the specificity of an astrological forecast sharply increases when we move to horoscopic astrology. When we get to the horoscope, you will see that the planet ruling the year can reveal a great deal about the themes of a particular year in your life, especially when considering which house of the horoscope it occupies. However, even at the initial level, without a horoscope, knowing the ruling planets will help us plan our affairs. For example, pay attention to the years governed by your planets (both the year ruler and the day ruler). I notice that these years are usually tied to important matters and significant changes. A Saturn year for me is laying the foundation, upon which, over the next seven years, what was laid this year will develop and be built. And by the Sun year, what was initiated during Saturn reaches its culmination, the stage of flourishing. A detailed elaboration of the seven-year planetary cycles in relation to the world at large, discussing how planets succeed one another and which stage corresponds to each, is contained in my book “Cosmic Rhythms of Life.” This doesn’t directly relate to our lecture topic, but I recommend reading it.
In everyday life, it is far more important to consider the days of the week. After all, it’s no coincidence that they have always been given great significance by magicians and alchemists of all times. I, for example,I try to plan all matters that require energy investment for Tuesday, those that demand systematicity and concentration for Saturday, and so on. And I come to the conclusion that it makes sense—everything happens with less effort and somehow more clearly. As a small guide to action, I will quote an excerpt from my book “Cosmic Rhythms of Life”:
On Saturday, the day of Saturn, energy is directed inward, toward the invisible creation of something new, and it is hardly worth betting on active external activity or overcoming external obstacles on this day. Perhaps it is better to overcome some internal obstacles, and then external ones will disappear on their own. Saturday is favorable for reflection, concentration, meditation, and matters that lay the foundation for future activity. Sunday, the day of the Sun, promotes any creativity, everything in which a person expresses themselves as a unique individual. On this day, tasks that are performed not out of coercion but from the heart, with pleasure, go best. Sunday is a day of rest, hobbies, and entertainment.
Monday, the day of the Moon, accompanies all ordinary, routine matters; on this day, we immerse ourselves in habitual daily affairs; concern for household matters and ensuring urgent needs increases. Emotionality and vulnerability also rise. It is hardly worth planning anything special or responsible for this day; it is better to check how well your “rear” is set up—the spheres of activity that you do not notice while engaged in more important matters.
On Tuesday, the day of Mars, our energy, persistence, and desire to achieve something increase. This day is favorable for quick and decisive actions associated with the expenditure of a large amount of energy. However, it is worth considering that on Tuesday, the likelihood of quarrels and conflicts also increases: if we cannot spend our energy wisely, it slips out of control and harms others.
Wednesday, the day of Mercury, promotes communication, travel, document processing, and negotiations. On this day, we are generally more mobile and sociable than usual, better understand others, and express our thoughts. The environment is favorable for any type of receiving, processing, and transmitting information.
Thursday and its ruler, Jupiter, help those who seek to expand their horizons, who study something new—especially of a theoretical or philosophical nature. This is a time for communication with representatives of other cultures, foreigners, and matters that contribute to the growth of well-being.
Finally, Friday, governed by Venus, accompanies acquaintances—especially with representatives of the opposite sex—establishing partnerships, and all matters where diplomacy and tact are needed. Venus enhances our ability to determine the value of things, and Friday favors buying and selling.
Other planetary periods
I have already mentioned the planetary hours. They will come in handy when studying a horoscope. The fact is that the ruler of a planetary hour often indicates a planet that has special significance and is somehow important in a given horoscope.
And there is also a very interesting system of planetary periods called Firdaria. In fact, this is a forecasting method that dates back to deep antiquity. I thought for a long time whether to tell you about Firdaria in this lecture, but I still concluded that you would not appreciate them properly without considering the houses of the horoscope. I think, for now, you have enough to occupy yourself with 🙂
Lecture 4. The Alphabet of Astrology: Retrograde Planets
Today, we are completing the initial acquaintance with the planets. And when speaking of planets, we cannot overlook such a feature as retrograde or backward motion.
Retrograde motion of planets
I set the goal not to burden my readers with any technical or astronomical details until they become absolutely necessary and inevitable. Therefore, I will not draw any diagrams now showing why and how planets appear retrograde. After all, such diagrams can be found in most astrology textbooks. Simply trust me: all planets (with the exception of the Sun and the Moon, which we traditionally also call planets) periodically begin to move relative to the stars not in the usual, general direction for all, but in the opposite one, as if backward. This is retrograde or backward motion. Then, after some time, the planets resume normal or, as it is also called, direct motion.
If we were to mark the position of a planet in the starry sky day by day, we would end up with a zigzag like this:
Of course, in reality, the planet continues to move in an elliptical orbit, but we, as earthly observers, also move along our orbit, and as a result, a visual effect occurs: it is as if we were traveling in a train, and another train was moving alongside in the same direction but slower. It would seem to us that it is moving backward.
Since ancient times, the duty of astrologers was to track what happens in the sky, and if something interesting occurred, to report to the Supreme Ruler: what could this foretell for the kingdom and state?
And what do retrograde planets foretell for those born under their “zigzag”?
I have written about this topic more than once. In particular, in the “Articles on My Website” section, you can find two articles that discuss various interesting aspects of this phenomenon. Here, however, I want to focus on the most practical and relevant points so that you can take my lecture, regardless of your level of knowledge, and start your astrological practice without ephemerides or computer programs, obtaining the first tangible results.
We will consider only three personal planets—Mercury, Venus, and Mars. But all astrologers, I think, will agree that it is their retrograde motion that is most important to consider in practice.
Retrograde Mercury
In everyday life, it emphasizes periods of instability in systems of information processing and transmission—including the human brain. People make an incredible number of the most absurd mistakes; servers “hang” in batches on the Internet; the principle of “broken telephone” operates. Goods for everyday use, electronics, computers, communication devices purchased during retrograde Mercury often turn out to be inappropriate: either because the buyer changes their plans, or due to hidden defects.
If you met someone for the first time during retrograde Mercury and made an agreement—most likely, you will never see these people again, and what was planned, if it comes to pass, will happen quite differently and with other participants. A contract signed during retrograde Mercury or a company founded at this time is like a house built on sand: something is constantly going wrong, and constant effort is required to prevent everything from collapsing.
At the same time, during the retrograde Mercury period, an abundance of the most extraordinary ideas emerges. It is advisable to “collect” them but postpone their implementation until the resumption of direct motion. Intuition increases, as does interest in everything mysterious and enigmatic. People begin to search—and find—approaches to matters that would have seemed unthinkable before, and as a result, they manage to “get things moving” in a stalled project or breathe new life into an activity that was completely at a standstill.
People born during retrograde Mercury are most often introverted. Their mind seems to be directed inward. They find it difficult to communicate with others; it seems to them that no one understands them. Such people often keep a diary, especially in childhood, and prefer solitude. Occasionally, there is a variant where a person born during retrograde Mercury turns out to be extremely, almost pathologically, talkative. This is the flip side of the same coin: they talk so much because they do not feel contact or understanding. Sometimes, communication difficulties arise due to a speech defect—for example, stuttering.
On the other hand, a person born during retrograde Mercury often surprises others with their knowledge. They know things no one taught them and often offer absolutely unconventional solutions and approaches. They can become very good teachers, as they perfectly understand the difficulties in perceiving information and can present an idea from an unexpected angle.
The turning period.Хотя некоторые из качеств ретроградного Меркурия — например, особая глубина мышления — остаются с человеком на всю жизнь, рано или поздно в его жизни происходит разворот. Ретроградный Меркурий выпускает своего пленника, снимает с него оковы, и тогда человек начинает очень активно общаться, словно наверстывая упущенное в детстве. Если Разворот происходит в период выбора профессии, то человек нередко и профессию выбирает, связанную с Меркурием — например, становится журналистом. Хотя все мы разные, и может случиться так, что человек, который в детстве был интуитивным, любознательным, но не такимAll, after the Retrograde, he will hide his unusualness even more and will emphasize in every way that he is an ordinary person, interested only in what is generally accepted. To determine, first, whether a person was born with retrograde Mercury, and second, if so, at what age the Retrograde Station will occur (has occurred) in their life, use the table at the end of the issue. If a person’s birth date falls between the start and end of the Mercury retrograde period, then, naturally, they were born with retrograde Mercury. Then calculate how many days separate the birth date from the end of the retrograde period. The Retrograde Station will occur in their life at that age. For example, a person was born on January 15, 1930. According to the table, they were born immediately after Mercury turned retrograde. The retrograde period ends on February 2, 18 days after birth. This means that at the age of 18, the Mercury Retrograde Station will occur in their life.
Retrograde Venus
The period of retrograde Venus is characterized by instability in sympathies, antipathies, and attitudes toward values. It is unfavorable for marriage, engagements, and even first meetings during retrograde Venus are unlikely to lead to long-lasting and strong relationships. The reason is that during this time, people’s ideas about what and who they truly like are “floating.” If a relationship begins during such a period, both partners will constantly wonder: did I make the right choice? For the same reason, it is not recommended to buy jewelry, valuable, beautiful, or fashionable items during retrograde Venus—anything used to satisfy aesthetic preferences, pleasure, or entertainment. After Venus turns direct, your tastes will stabilize, but in which direction it will be impossible to know until Venus turns retrograde. So, you spend a lot of money on something, and now you no longer like it…
People born with retrograde Venus usually doubt that anyone truly loves them in this whole wide world. They find it difficult to express their sympathy and struggle to adequately respond to another person’s display of affection. As a result, the owner of retrograde Venus may face significant challenges in establishing long-term close relationships; they tend to repeat the same mistakes, as if stuck in a vicious cycle. On the other hand, it is noted that such people are very good at introducing, connecting, and marrying their friends, acquaintances, and others—just not themselves. They often have a talent in some field of art or at least an unconventional, original, and therefore very interesting artistic taste. In some cases, retrograde Venus may indicate a non-traditional sexual orientation.
The Retrograde Station of Venus, when it occurs in a person’s life, is most often associated with a significant activation of partner relationships. A former recluse will do everything possible to make up for lost time, and this is when the likelihood of marriage increases. Just as with Mercury, first determine whether the birth date of the person you are interested in falls within the retrograde period of Venus, and if so, how many days remain until this period ends. The Retrograde Station of Venus will occur at that age after birth.
Retrograde Mars
When Mars traces its zigzag across the sky, ideas about how and where to apply one’s strength, and how to use energy, become “floating.” Old conflicts often flare up again. However, it has been observed: the side that initiates a war during retrograde Mars usually loses. It is not recommended to start a new job during this time, as we all have a poor understanding of how we want to expend our energy when Mars is retrograde. Conversely, if you have long been stuck in a job you hate and lack the decisiveness to quit, retrograde Mars will help you part ways with what has outlived its usefulness. It is also inadvisable to begin a project during retrograde Mars that requires significant energy expenditure: there is a high chance that, after Mars turns direct, you will find many errors in the allocation of your efforts.
People born with retrograde Mars usually struggle to apply their energy effectively. They may expend a lot of effort but do not see or feel an adequate result. At other times, they may seethe and boil internally but rarely take concrete action. If they do act, their approach is often unexpected and ingenious—precisely why it can prove very effective. Although the owner of retrograde Mars prefers to remain passive, they are usually very good at directing the activity of others. For this reason, they may be a commander who cannot strike a blow himself but commands entire armies, or a coach who does not set records himself but prepares others to do so.
The Retrograde Station of Mars, like that of other retrograde planets, is usually associated with significant life changes. Suddenly, they become very active, engage in some endeavor, and enjoy keeping up with others. If age permits, such a person may take up sports or simply make their lifestyle much more active. To determine at what age the Retrograde Station will occur, calculate how many days separate the birth date from the end of the retrograde period.
Lecture 5. The Alphabet of Astrology: The Zodiac
What is the Zodiac
For an Earth observer, the planets move relative to the starry background (or, as they are also called, “fixed stars”—in contrast to the planets, the “wandering stars”)”Stars”). Planets are the active principle, while the stellar background is passive. One could say that the stellar background is a field of all potentialities, and as planets move through it in one place or another, they activate this or that potentiality, awakening it to life.
Since ancient times, all developed cultures have grouped stars into constellations. And astrology, for a long time, also operated with constellations. However, the potentialities of the stellar background were not suitable for this purpose, as constellations vary in size, and different cultures defined their names and boundaries differently.
The path of the Sun relative to the stars. Each sign of the Zodiac contains 30 degrees. Here is an image of the Zodiac, where you will find both the symbolic designations of the signs and their names:
Some may ask—why are there exactly twelve signs in the Zodiac? This number has deep roots in esotericism, and of course, the concept of the Zodiac did not arise solely from practical considerations. In various esoteric works, the Zodiac is called the Image of the Word of God, Adam Kadmon, the Secret Adam, and other mysterious names. But we are engaged in practical astrology, and we will leave this profound topic for a more convenient occasion.
As for the “duck” about the thirteenth sign of the Zodiac, launched by British astronomers, this is pure provocation, another manifestation of the hostile attitude of most of society toward astrology. There are reasons for such hostility, but again, we will not stray from the practical.
From a practical standpoint, the thirteenth sign of the Zodiac is nonsense—it’s like a fifth corner in a square. Let’s summarize what has been said.
The Zodiac is a schematic representation of the starry sky used in horoscopic astrology. The Zodiac is based on the ecliptic—it serves as the axis of the Zodiac—and includes the regions of the sky adjacent to the ecliptic. All planets move through the Zodiac along the ecliptic. The Zodiac consists of twelve 30-degree divisions called the signs of the Zodiac.
Tropical or Sidereal? Initially, the Zodiac was tied to the starry sky, and its starting point was fixed relative to one of the stars. However, different astrological schools disagreed on which star should anchor the Zodiac. One version used the Vernal Equinox Point, located at the intersection of the ecliptic and the celestial equator. (If some astronomical terms are unfamiliar to you, don’t worry. For those interested, I will soon provide links to additional materials. Most, especially beginner astrologers, can easily do without many details. For now, it’s enough to know that the Vernal Equinox Point exists.)
This point has only one drawback: it is in no way connected to the stellar background. In a sense, it is a point of interaction between the Earth and the Sun, meaning it is tied to our local, near-Earth space. Thus, two types of Zodiac emerged. The Zodiac whose starting point is tied to the starry sky is called sidereal or stellar. The Zodiac whose starting point is the Vernal Equinox Point is called tropical.
A couple of thousand years ago, the sidereal and tropical Zodiacs almost coincided, but since then, due to the phenomenon known as the precession of the Earth’s axis, the tropical Zodiac has shifted relative to the sidereal by more than 20 degrees and continues to shift at a rate of about 1 degree every 72 years.
Today, Western astrology almost always (except for individual researchers) uses the tropical Zodiac. Traditional Indian astrology uses the sidereal Zodiac, though the tropical is also employed. As is often the case, supporters of one Zodiac criticize the supporters of the other. In reality, both are important. The sidereal Zodiac is more connected to the universal field of potentialities—the starry sky—so conclusions drawn from it are, in principle, deep and expansive. The tropical Zodiac is closer to us; it reflects the system of potentialities of the Solar System and can, in principle, be more relevant for practical work. Although in predictive astrology, both Zodiacs are successfully used. This should not be surprising: after all, it is simply a matter of different perspectives or different ranges of perception.
In astrology, this happens at every turn—two methods contradict each other, yet both work. The reason is that our life, and the world in general, is somewhat more multidimensional and multifaceted than a flat scheme.
The Age of Aquarius
The fact that the tropical Zodiac gradually shifts relative to the sidereal gives rise to a very profound and interesting astrological concept—the concept of ages or epochs corresponding to the signs of the Zodiac through which humanity passes in its development. Incidentally, the very existence of this concept confirms the validity and relevance of both versions of the Zodiac.
About 2000 years ago, the starting point of the tropical Zodiac coincided with the starting point of the sidereal Zodiac. The beginning of the Zodiac is taken as the beginning of Aries, 0 degrees of the first sign. Then, as a result of precession, the starting point of the tropical Zodiac began to gradually shift toward the sign of Pisces, that is, against the direction of the Zodiac’s count. And as long as 0 Aries of the tropical Zodiac moves through the sign of Pisces in the sidereal Zodiac, the Age of Pisces unfolds in human history.
Here is where things get interesting. It was about 2000 years ago that Christianity emerged, and the entire spiritual tone of this religion, the symbolism of its sacred texts, is very noticeably tied to the symbolism of the sign of Pisces. This topic is explored deeply and fascinatingly in Maggie Hyde’s book “Jung and Astrology”—I recently saw it in Moscow bookstores. Perhaps it is still available.
At the same time, as the opposite pole, the past centuries have been marked by humanity’s ever-deeper penetration into the details and combination of the material world, the development of industry and mass production. Here, the sign of Virgo, opposite to Pisces, resonates.
The 20th century was the last of the Age of Pisces, and so astrologers, and indeed anyone interested in the new and unusual, have long proclaimed the imminent arrival of the Age of Aquarius. And it will arrive, as you now know, when the starting point of the tropical Zodiac leaves the sign of Pisces and enters the sign of Aquarius in the sidereal Zodiac. The only question is when this will happen.
Since there is no consensus on the starting point of the sidereal Zodiac, there is also no single opinion on when the Age of Aquarius begins. The authors of the book *Mundane Astrology* compiled a long list of assumptions about when the Age of Aquarius begins, proposed by various well-known astrologers. I counted 38 different versions, the earliest dating back to 1762, the latest to 3000+, that is, after the year 3000, but the majority fall within the current millennium. Carl Gustav Jung believed that the onset of the Age of Aquarius corresponds to the period from 1997 to 2200, and I would most likely agree with him. Because, from my reasoning, the Age of Aquarius has already begun, and the fact that you are reading these words is one of the proofs.
Since the Age of Pisces was tied to the spread of the Christian religion, many, by inertia, believe that in the Age of Aquarius, a new special religion will emerge, based on the idea of universal brotherhood and a global, cosmic worldview. It is said to replace traditional religions, which, in this widespread view, have already outlived themselves as spiritual leaders of humanity. There is also talk of a “religion based on reason,” which, generally speaking, is strange, since the foundation of all religions in the traditional sense of the word is faith. But what kind of mysterious religion could this be? After all, many different spiritual teachings of a “new style” have already emerged, some quite eccentric, yet none have gained global or even somewhat widespread acceptance.
So let’s figure out what the word “religion” even means. It comes from the Latin *religio*, which can be understood as *re-ligio*, meaning the restoration of connections.In other words, religion is, in a sense, a unifying factor for humanity. In the Age of the mystical sign Pisces, the unifying factor was faith in God. But in the Age of the air sign Aquarius, whose attributes are knowledge, information, and new technologies—what can unite people? In my view, the main sign of the onset of the Age of Aquarius is the emergence and establishment of the Internet as an indispensable part of modern life—a phenomenon so fantastic and unimaginable that it’s hard to describe. You probably don’t need me to explain its wonders. But someone once told me about two teenagers sitting side by side in an internet café, typing to each other in a chat. Another hallmark of the Age of Aquarius is the lecture you are reading right now. I am sitting on a small island in the Mediterranean Sea. In a few minutes, I will connect to a computer in Moscow and send it the finished issue. And that computer will, within hours, distribute it worldwide, across all continents, to over 3,300 subscribers. In the past, I never managed to gather more than about a hundred people in a single hall. However, I must disappoint those expecting the Age of Aquarius to bring universal brotherhood, freedom, and prosperity. Aquarius is indeed associated with global phenomena, but together with its opposite sign Leo, it can raise questions of global power and present the world with dictatorships so severe that Hitler’s and Stalin’s regimes would seem like child’s play. The world wars of the 20th century could well be a transitional phenomenon between the Age of Pisces and the Age of Aquarius. Unfortunately, people do not improve from one era to the next; only the conditions of material life change. Here, I would like to share the opinion of Robert Zoller, a well-known American astrologer whom I have referenced in past issues. He believes that as the Age of Aquarius unfolds—whose beginning he dates to 2160—the Age of Pisces will be remembered as a carefree period of respite from the inherently destructive and spiritually ruinous nature of life. If, in the Age of Pisces, people were satisfied with religious illusions (Pisces), while material wealth (Virgo) was the ultimate goal, in the Age of Aquarius, the people will be “fed” by universal freedom of speech and knowledge, while the primary aspiration will be absolute power (Leo). The main application of knowledge will be the struggle for power, including armed conflict. The greatest danger of the Age of Aquarius, according to Robert Zoller, lies in the abuse of knowledge and scientific achievements.
Classification of the Signs of the Zodiac
Unlike classifications in other fields of knowledge, the classification of the signs of the Zodiac is not just a theoretical concept but a practical tool. Understanding a sign’s affiliation with a particular group helps us grasp how it will manifest in specific circumstances. To recall or visualize a sign, one can simply determine its polarity (masculine or feminine), element, and quality—this alone provides about 70% of the information needed for practical work.
Polarities: Masculine and Feminine Signs
In the zodiac, masculine (positive) and feminine (negative) signs alternate. Of course, the terms “positive” and “negative” should not be taken as “good” or “bad.” They could also be described as active and reactive, yang and yin, or outward- and inward-directed. Odd-numbered signs are masculine: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Aquarius. Even-numbered signs are feminine: Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, and Pisces.
In a horoscope (we’ll touch on this later), masculine or feminine signs may predominate, though sometimes the masculine and feminine principles are in balance. If masculine signs dominate, a person lives in a world full of possibilities. They think: “I can do this or that; I intend to do it this way.” When consulting an astrologer, such a person simply seeks another opinion to consider alongside their own decision-making process. Their life stance is generally assertive, more focused on acquiring new things than preserving the old.
If feminine signs predominate, a person lives in a world of needs. They think: “I need to do this; I have to do it this way; I want this.” What happens in their life “happens to them.” They come to an astrologer seeking guidance on what to do to avoid unforeseen misfortune. Their overall stance is defensive, more inclined toward preserving and increasing what they already have than seizing or exploring the new.
Of course, people with exclusively feminine or masculine qualities do not exist in the world. Each of us possesses both, though in different proportions. There are cases where one quality significantly outweighs the other, regardless of the chart owner’s gender. Later, we will discuss how to assess the balance of masculine and feminine principles in a horoscope (I realize many readers at this stage may not yet have a clear idea of what a horoscope is—don’t worry about that).
Elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water
According to the philosophical foundations of astrology, all phenomena and objects of the material world are combinations, in varying proportions, of the four Elements: Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.
Fire Element
Key words: energy, activity, enthusiasm, idea.
Core qualities: warmth and dryness.
The Fire element is the driving force behind all phenomena in the world, as nothing can happen without energy. The most obvious representative of Fire in our world is, of course, fire itself—flame or plasma. While flame naturally contains traces of the other three elements, we won’t delve into that now.
Zodiac signs associated with the Fire element: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.
A person may strongly embody the Fire element if their horoscope features prominent fire signs. A fiery individual is energetic, active, and radiates energy. Since all fire signs are masculine, they seek freedom of action and power. They are constantly driven by a thirst for activity, and only serious obstacles or prolonged periods of failure can temporarily dampen their innate optimism. A fiery person is always ready to share their energy and ideas with others. They may enjoy spicy, hot food and suffer from acute,Diseases accompanied by high fever. On an emotional level, a fiery person is characterized by passion, ardor, and can warm others, but may also burn them. Their mind operates with ideas—concentrated, concise concepts—and once an idea is grasped, they do not need many words. Where a fiery person is, something is always happening. Their ideas and energy make it impossible for themselves or those around them to remain passive. However, if the element Fire is weakly represented in the horoscope, it usually manifests as a lack of original ideas and motivation for action. Such a person’s activity largely depends on ideas and stimuli provided by others.
The element Earth
Key words: reality, practicality, thriftiness, materiality.
Main qualities: cold and dryness.
The element Earth is the flesh of the World; it is present wherever there is density, weight, materiality, and can be exemplified by the earth itself or stone. In a broader sense, it represents the solid state of matter. However, even pure flame consists of superheated gases with some density and weight—meaning Fire also contains a trace of Earth. The zodiac signs associated with the element Earth are Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.
A person with a strongly expressed element Earth is practical, thrifty, and realistic. They prefer to touch and test everything in practice, and grand words do not easily sway them. They stand firmly on the ground, are thrifty, resourceful, and hardworking. The same can be said of the Earth-type organism: it is thrifty and tends to store things—whether fat (less typical for Capricorn), salts, or other essentials. Metabolism in an Earth person is somewhat sluggish, and they greatly benefit from warming procedures, such as a sauna. Earth signs require physical comfort and material security (note the key word “require,” as all Earth signs are feminine). If the element Earth is weakly expressed, it manifests as a lack of practicality. A person may be good in many ways, but their activities yield few tangible results. They feel insecure in the material world—unaware of prices or how to practically accomplish tasks. In short, they are a theorist.
The element Air
Key words: circulation, connection, communication, information.
Main qualities: warmth and moisture.
One could say that the role of Air in the world corresponds to the role of the nervous and circulatory systems in the body: Air connects, unites, and transmits information, energy, and matter from one part of the world to another—from where there is excess to where there is a deficit. A vivid representative of Air is wind. It blows from areas of high atmospheric pressure to areas of low pressure. It should be noted that gaseous substances most fully represent the element Air.
The zodiac signs associated with Air are Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. A strongly expressed Air person is sociable, curious, quick-witted, and understands the value of information, knowing how to use it. The more Air in the horoscope, the more intense the “information hunger” felt by its owner. This hunger is satisfied through books, newspapers, TV programs, the Internet, and any available sources of information. However, an Air person not only accumulates knowledge but also loves to share it. They are light, open, prefer not to delve into emotional subtleties, and maintain a somewhat detached attitude toward what is happening. Air signs seek freedom of movement and self-expression (all Air signs are masculine).
If the element Air is insufficiently expressed, a person may feel isolated from others, struggling with communication. They undervalue knowledge and information and show little interest in what is happening in the world. Even if they are intelligent and experienced, it is difficult to discern this—such a person may barely utter two words. The element Water
Key words: emotions, symbols, mystery, unity, synthesis.
Main qualities: cold and moisture.
The element Water is perhaps the most mysterious of the four elements. After all, water is present everywhere in our world, often in hidden forms. Who would think, for instance, that a human is composed of 90 (or so) percent water? Water is a unique liquid capable of dissolving solids, absorbing gases and heat, and thus serves as a unifying, integrating factor in our world. Besides water itself, all substances in a liquid state represent the element Water.
The zodiac signs associated with Water are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces. A person of the Water element has a rich, saturated inner life hidden from the view of others. They are usually contemplative, romantic, emotional, imaginative, and intuitive. They are interested in everything mysterious and enigmatic and intuitively sense the hidden essence behind life’s phenomena. Their thinking is figurative, and the concepts they form are often difficult to express in words. Yet they can visualize the most complex ideas in all their detail and color. Even in adulthood, Water signs remain drawn to fairy tales, legends, and detective stories.
Problems in the body of a Water person are often related to fluid circulation, such as a tendency to edema. Water signs require emotional comfort and security (all are feminine signs). If the element Water is weakly expressed, it manifests as a lack of imagination. A person operates with dry schemes and categories, and what they create fails to touch the mysterious depths of the human soul. They lack the ability to synthesize—they cannot see the forest for the trees. They have little intuition and are not particularly emotional.
These are the main characteristics of the four elements. Soon, I will show how to assess their predominance or deficiency in a specific person.
Qualities: Cardinality, Fixedness, Mutability
So far, we have discussed the elements—essentially the types of matter from which each zodiac sign (and every element of our world) is created. However, the elements alone are not enough for a meaningful description of anything. Take Fire, for example. It can be represented by a sudden burst of energy, an explosion, or the Sun’s fiery sphere continuously radiating energy over an incredibly long period. Or Water: one thing is a mountain river, quite another is a swamp. One might say that different representatives of the same element exhibit different dynamics. This idea is reflected in the concept of qualities.
Cardinality
Cardinal dynamics are characterized by impulse, impetus, a sharp outburst followed by a decline. The cardinal zodiac signs are Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn. They are impulsive, enterprising, and skilled at taking the first step in any endeavor. They initiate, get things moving, but are less concerned with what comes next. A strongly expressed cardinal person is an initiator, a generator of ideas, the one who starts something new in life. However, they usually lack the ability to follow through and implement their ideas. Cardinal signs act under the influence of ideas, thoughts, or inner impulses, which is why they are sometimes called mental.
Cardinal people are highly independent; they do not need—and sometimes cannot be—pushed or hurried. When a geyser is ready to act, no one can stop it, and forcing it to act is nearly impossible. Their weakness lies in the fact that their actions are poorly connected to reality and the surrounding world, arising instead from an internal creative process. If cardinal quality is weakly expressed, a person lacks initiative and prefers that someone else take the first step in a new direction.For a strongly expressed representative of the Fixed signs, stability, perseverance, and steadiness (often manifesting as stubbornness) are characteristic. Such a person “gets harnessed” into a task and carries it through, consistently and unwaveringly. It is precisely through the Fixed signs that serious, large-scale plans are realized—those requiring prolonged exertion of effort. Such endeavors demand a high level of vital energy, which is why the Fixed signs are also called vital.
For Fixed individuals, it is important to change their state as rarely as possible. If they are working, they will keep working, and do not interfere with them. And if they are resting, the end of their rest is nowhere in sight, and woe betide anyone who tries to interrupt it. The strong side of Fixed people is that, thanks to their steadiness, they can undoubtedly bring to fruition the ideas and initiatives of Cardinal people. Their weak side, however, lies in their lack of understanding of external conditions. They focus solely on their task, and that’s it. The environment interests them only insofar as it must be comfortable and no one should disturb them. After all, in order for the result of their work to find its place in the world, one must look around, evaluate different opinions, learn what competitors have already done, and compare…
As we will see, it is the Mutable people who handle this best. Well, and the deficiency of the Fixed quality, it is not hard to guess, reveals itself in insufficient stability, lack of steadiness, inability to engage in one task for long and invest significant effort into it.
Mutability
Mutable dynamics are characterized by changeability, orientation toward external conditions, maneuvering, navigating, and choosing the optimal path or method of action. The Mutable signs include: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces.
For strongly expressed representatives of the Mutable signs, openness to the external world, the ability to navigate situations, notice and evaluate details and nuances, and use them in choosing a direction are characteristic. They are well aware of the thoughts of those around them, what is expected of them, and thus can tell Fixed people exactly what the result of their persistent work should be. I have noticed that many athletes in team sports—where one must track a changing situation and react to it—have accented Mutable signs. No wonder these signs are also called motor signs.
The strong side of Mutable people lies in their excellent ability to assess and account for surrounding reality. Their weak side, however, is a tendency to get carried away endlessly weighing existing possibilities, losing sight of the goal, and as a result never achieving anything concrete. They can be so changeable that those around them lose track of what to expect from a Mutable person the next second. And the Mutable person themselves does not know—everything depends on surrounding conditions. It is not hard to guess that insufficiently expressed mutability in a horoscope manifests as a lack of flexibility, an inability to orient oneself to surrounding conditions and adapt to their changes.
So, we now know three ways to classify the Zodiac signs: by polarity, elements, and qualities. Knowing which category a sign belongs to provides about 70% of the information needed for practical work. Determining where to find the remaining 30% and examining each Zodiac sign individually I will leave for the next lesson. And now, to alternate theory with practice, let’s look at how to determine the ratio of polarities, elements, and qualities for a specific person. How to assess the ratio of polarities, elements, and qualities
Naturally, for this, you need to know how the person’s planets are distributed by Zodiac sign. Even if you have no idea how to find this out, one of my interactive programs will come to your aid.
posted on the website Galactica.ru. This program is called “What Are You Made Of?” and is located in the Astrologer’s Laboratory section. To the right of the program description is a form for entering the birth data of the person you are interested in. There should be no difficulties with fields such as day, month, year, hour, and minute of birth. As everywhere in astrology, the more accurate the birth time is known, the better. However, in this program, even if the birth time is completely unknown, set it to 12:00 — the result will mostly be quite acceptable.
Regarding the field “Time zone difference (from Moscow),” it’s also straightforward. If you were born in Moscow or in a place where the time matches Moscow time, set 0 here. If the time at the birthplace is later than in Moscow — for example, in Novosibirsk — set a positive number corresponding to the time difference. In Novosibirsk, as far as I remember, the time is 4 hours ahead of Moscow, so set 4. If a person was born in one of the Western countries — former republics of the USSR — after the Union’s collapse, the time there is one hour less than Moscow time, so set -1.
After all the data is entered, click the “Calculate!” button. A page will appear where, at the beginning, the positions of the planets in the Zodiac signs for this person are listed. The degrees and minutes of the sign where the planet is located are also indicated. Next comes an assessment of the strength of the elements and qualities in points. I will explain later how these points are calculated. The balance of polarities (masculine/feminine signs) is not calculated, but after my explanation, you can easily determine it yourself.
Then follows the interpretation of strongly and weakly expressed elements and qualities, roughly in the same manner as described above.
Now, regarding the points. The simplest way is to count how many planets are in a particular element or quality, giving each planet one point. To illustrate, here is an example of my planetary positions: Sun in Aries, Moon in Libra, Mercury in Pisces, Venus in Aries, Mars in Cancer, Jupiter in Aquarius, Saturn in Capricorn, North Node (in this program, it is simply called Node), in Virgo, Uranus in Virgo. Someone may not use the Lunar Nodes or use both the North and South Nodes, but in this program, only the North Node is considered.
Counting the points, the planets are distributed as follows: Fire element — 3 planets (Sun, Venus, Uranus), Earth element — 3 planets (Saturn, Pluto, Node), Air element — 2 planets (Moon, Jupiter), and Water element — 3 planets (Mercury, Mars, Neptune). One could evaluate the balance of elements based on these points, but in my opinion, this approach is very inaccurate because it treats the luminaries and, say, the Lunar Node equally. As a result, it turns out that my Air element is weaker than Earth, but in reality, my practicality lags far behind my Air qualities.
Therefore, I propose (and have implemented in the suggested program) the following point distribution: the Sun and Moon “weigh” 4 points each, as they are the most important. Next come the personal planets — Mercury, Venus, and Mars — which receive 3 points each. The social planets — Jupiter, Saturn, and the Lunar Node — receive 2 points each. And the outer planets — Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto — receive 1 point each.
With this distribution, my elements are as follows: Fire: 8, Earth: 5, Air: 6, Water: 7 — a more or less balanced distribution with a slight predominance of Fire and a slight lag in Earth. This aligns with how I see myself.
Qualities: Cardinal: 16, Fixed: 4, Mutable: 6 — a strong predominance of Cardinal quality, with Fixed being the least expressed. This is generally the case.
The program does not calculate the distribution by polarities, but it’s easy to do: the Sun, Moon, Venus, Jupiter, and Uranus in masculine signs give 14 points, while Mercury, Mars, Saturn, Neptune, Pluto, and the Node in feminine signs give 12 points. Overall, this results in a balance with a slight predominance of masculine polarity.
I anticipate that some men might be offended by finding a predominance of feminine qualities in themselves. In that case, don’t call it feminine; call it yin. The same advice applies to women who are dissatisfied with an excess of masculine qualities — call it yang. After all, these are not moral characteristics but philosophical categories.
Homework
We are approaching horoscopic astrology, and it is necessary to consolidate everything studied in the previous lectures. Therefore, your homework is:
- Memorize the symbols corresponding to the planets. You can find them in the issue dedicated to planetary periods.
- Memorize the symbols of the Zodiac signs and the sequence of symbols in the Zodiac. You need to firmly know how the signs are grouped by elements and qualities, and which signs are opposite each other (such as Aries and Libra, Cancer and Capricorn, etc.).
- Take the birth data of several people — say, seven — whom you know well and who have a known birth time. Determine their planetary year and day rulers. Determine how their planets are positioned by Zodiac sign and what the resulting balance of polarities, elements, and qualities is.
Practical Session
The time is not far off when we will need our own astrological toolkit. Nowadays, few people draw up horoscopes using ephemeris tables and house tables — after all, there are accurate and fast computer programs, and computers are widely available. Therefore, the main tool of a modern astrologer is a computer program, and you need to choose which program you will work with.
I consider the ZET Astroprocessor by Anatoly Zaitsev to be the optimal choice. It has many advantages, and one important one is the constant improvement of the program by the author. As a result, the program is very unlikely to have “glitches,” which are common in other domestically developed programs. It is also important that the lightweight version of the latest, 7th version can be downloaded completely free of charge from the website http://astrologer.ru/ZET/, and if you like the program and your finances allow, you can purchase the professional version, which, in terms of capabilities, ranks among the leaders of the world’s astrological software.
I purchased the professional version and will explain its work using it as an example. I recommend downloading and installing the ZET program — the free or professional version — or another program that suits you — by the next class. In the “Practical Session” section, we will begin gradually working with the programs and mastering the technical aspects of astrology.
What else is needed to describe the Zodiac signs? I have already mentioned that a significant part of the sign’s description can be synthesized by knowing which groups it belongs to in the classification. For example, Aries is a masculine, cardinal, fire sign. Immediately, an image of this sign comes to mind: hot, active, impulsive, energetically striving to conquer the external world, highly capable of initiative and starting new things, but least capable of continuing what has been started and achieving practical results. Or take Pisces — a feminine, mutable, water sign. Emotionality, changeability, high sensitivity and vulnerability, passivity, compassion, dependence on external circumstances… All these characteristics directly follow from the classification categories, and only a little skill is needed to combine different categories into a cohesive image. (There are other classification systems we could use, but they are more complex to grasp, and for now, we can do without them.)
However, the Zodiac signs are extremely multifaceted and profound, and a logical interpretation based on categories, of course, cannot fully reveal their essence. There are countless attributes, qualities, and properties whose origins are not always explainable, yet they are inherent to the Zodiac signs and manifest in practice. It can be confidently said that the classification categories give the signs their color, while the numerous “illogical” details add texture. This texture sometimes arises from the myths associated with the signs, sometimes from their position in the Zodiac, sometimes from something else, and sometimes I cannot trace any logical connection at all.
Here are examples of textures: Aries is the first sign of the Zodiac, and its most vivid representatives love to be first, often ending up alone as a result. If such a person joins a group, they prefer to step forward rather than trail behind. A strongly expressed Taurus adores surrounding themselves with a large quantity of similar objects—sweaters, if it’s a woman, toy cars or other playthings, if it’s a child, or a collection of beer bottle caps, if it’s a man. I see an association here with the grains in an ear of corn, with which Virgo is often depicted. There are many grains, and they are all uniform. After all, the Sun passes through the sign of Virgo at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn, during the harvest season, and the feeling of abundance in material fruits is akin to this sign.
The signs of the Zodiac can manifest in appearance; they have anatomical correspondences, various gemstones, colors, herbs, types of terrain, geographical directions, and much more are attributed to them. One could say that the signs of the Zodiac are the palette with which our world is painted.
I’d like to say a couple of words about flowers, stones, directions, terrains, and other exotic details you might encounter in books, even in popular “horoscopes.” When encountered in popular literature, all these details only evoke bewilderment. For example, Aries is said to denote places where sheep and small livestock graze or are usually found, sandy and hilly areas. We read and think: Hmm, if I’m an Aries, do I have to live in such places? Or something along those lines. The thing is, astrology is a practical tool with many applications, including use in magic, alchemy, herbal medicine, and other fields. In these areas, all the obscure attributes of the Zodiac signs have a strictly practical purpose—they help achieve the specific result the practitioner desires. In particular, the description of places given above is a valuable clue for a horary astrologer. If they are studying a horary chart to find a lost object or person, and, say, the significator of the lost item is in Aries, the astrologer won’t look for the lost item in a swamp or forest—they will have a rough idea of the area to focus their search.
Now, how I plan to introduce you to the characteristics of the Zodiac signs. This won’t be an exhaustive description of each sign (such a thing is hardly possible). I will present several systematized perspectives on different aspects of the signs and their interconnections. There will be key words involved. This material will serve as a reference guide, food for thought, a launching pad for independent reflection, understanding, and internalizing the essence of the signs—something that, if you approach astrology seriously, will continue throughout your life.
Zodiac Signs: Version 1
This excerpt is from my Self-Teacher.
Aries – energy, impulsiveness, impatience, a drive to act despite obstacles. High initiative, activity in undertakings, but an inability to see things through. A desire to be first, a love for simple solutions, and a lack of understanding for roundabout ways—”brakes were invented for cowards!”
Taurus – practicality, unhurriedness, steadfastness, and patience. In many cases, it fosters a love for plants and the skill to care for them. What Aries starts and abandons, Taurus can continue indefinitely. Strong work ethic, especially when juggling multiple tasks. A love for comfort and the ability to create it. Warmth, a good grasp of the value of things.
Gemini – sociability, flexibility, adaptability, the ability to handle multiple tasks at once. Interest in any kind of information—from newspaper ads and TV series to books on higher mathematics. Aptitude for languages, a wide range of interests. Fickleness, an inability to concentrate.
Cancer – deep emotionality hidden from others. A need for security, personal space, and frugality. The desire and ability to care for, nurture, and raise. Initiative, especially in matters related to home, land, and household. Unpredictability, as emotions—carefully concealed—drive actions.
Leo – brilliance, drama, demonstrativeness, a desire to be noticed, and a great need to hear praise. High creative potential, the ability to achieve great things under the influence of inspiration. A drive for leadership, pride, individualism, but also generosity.
Virgo – an interest in all manner of small details and nuances of the surrounding world. The ability to enthusiastically engage in work that others might find unbearably dull. An interest in collecting, the inner workings and operating principles of things, a need for variety and constant sensory change. Pettiness stemming from the ability to notice the smallest flaws. Often an interest in a healthy lifestyle.
Libra – an interest in partnerships, communication, and the exchange of ideas. An innate need to share joys and sorrows with another person; otherwise, joys seem incomplete, and sorrows especially bitter. A drive for justice and objectivity, a desire to balance: black against white, white against black—hence indecision and hesitation.
Scorpio – intense inner life hidden beneath an outward composure. Negative emotions—envy, jealousy, greed—gain particular strength and must be managed to avoid complicating life excessively. Sexuality, a magnetic influence on others, which allows for manipulation. An interest in all things hidden, a desire to penetrate beneath the surface of phenomena and understand their hidden driving forces.
Sagittarius – extraordinary breadth of views, interests, and talents. A great desire to grasp the ungraspable, an interest in everything foreign, exotic, and distant. Excessive scatterbrained tendencies can create problems—after all, one cannot chase all the hares in the world. On the other hand, the scale of Sagittarius’ activities and knowledge is unattainable by any other sign of the Zodiac.
Capricorn – seriousness, systematic thinking, ambition, an intuitive understanding of the inner workings of society. Capricorn instinctively finds the nearest social ladder and immediately attempts to climb it. Organizational and administrative abilities, a love for plans, diagrams, and daily schedules. A respectful attitude toward elders and a rather strict one toward the young.
Aquarius – a certain eccentricity combined with a deep, persistent interest in a particular field of knowledge or activity. A love for everything new, unusual, original, and forward-looking. Inventiveness, often an innate ability to handle technology. An interest in the laws governing society, a reluctance to bind oneself with any obligations.
Pisces – detachment from reality, emotional openness, a readiness to sympathize and empathize. Spirituality, musicality, intuition, the ability to understand another person without words. An innate mystical sense or religiosity, a drive for charity, self-sacrifice. A certain chaos, impracticality, a desire to go with the flow.
Zodiac Signs: Version 2
This material has not yet been published. Here, I attempt to show how the signs related to the same element correlate.
Aries symbolizes the process of energy buildup, the emergence of a new source of it. This sign is characterized by an energetic impulse, a surge, a penetration into a new area of experience. It is the energy of an explosion that breaks through a tunnel in rock. It is the energy of a campfire around which pioneers gather: darkness and cold surround them, and only in a small space, amid the unknown, the flame of a new Idea flickers.
Leo symbolizes the stability of energy—a steady, even supply of the warmth and light necessary for life. Its image is the Sun, which day after day, century after century, millennium after millennium, warms our Earth. Another image is an engine, the constant operation of which propels a car, flies an airplane, and drives countless other processes.
Sagittarius embodies the process of energy distribution and dissemination. Here, energy spans vast spaces, disperses, its density decreases, and it seems to vanish, yet it warms everything around.As an analogy, one can cite a heating system distributing warmth throughout a house, or missionaries spreading a religious idea across the world. Libra symbolizes the first step toward establishing contact, the foundation for all subsequent interactions. The source of information for Libra is most often a specific person with whom one must take the initiative, reach out, make an acquaintance, and strive for mutual understanding. No wonder Libra is called the sign of partnership. Aquarius, however, views the world quite differently. It is characterized by a steadfast, almost unshakable interest in a rather narrow field. Among people, Aquarius is most drawn to like-minded individuals who share the same passion. Since true experts are not always easy to find, Aquarius may prefer a book as a conversation partner. It is noted that a strongly expressed Aquarius in a horoscope gives a person a love for books and a desire to have their own library. As for Gemini, almost anything can serve as a source of information—books, newspapers, radio, a random interlocutor, or even a notice on a wall. The more variety, the better. Geminis are literally wide open to the surrounding world; for them, thinking and communicating is as natural as breathing. Perhaps the information Geminis possess is somewhat superficial—yet their range of knowledge is vast!
In the sign of Capricorn, Earth operates at an initial, perhaps even abstract level, as it endows this sign with administrative and organizational abilities, the skill to build plans and schemes. Capricorn is essentially a designer or architect, regardless of the field in which they actually manifest themselves. Capricorn is also a born leader, instinctively finding the rungs of the social ladder from an early age.
Taurus combines remarkable patience and perseverance with almost magical intuition regarding all things material, valuable, and useful. As a result, Taurus successfully implements projects so large-scale, complex, and long-term that others dare not even contemplate them. Taurus simply “harnesses itself to the yoke” and pulls, without overthinking how long the work will last. If our world rests on anyone’s shoulders, it is undoubtedly not whales or elephants—but Taureans.
Virgo is captivated by the diversity of the material world. It wants to try everything, touch it, and apply it in practice, and for this sign, the very process of endless sorting and comparison is far more interesting than grand plans or far-reaching ideas. Practicality in Virgo is paired with the ability to remember vast amounts of information, compare it, and classify it. Most collectors (in the literal or figurative sense) have a prominent Virgo in their horoscope in one way or another.
Cancer resembles a small pond with an unruffled surface but brimming to the brim with life. Here, the emotional nature of the Water element is represented in its most pristine form, and the surrounding world is needed by Cancer only for brief forays to gather new inner content.
Scorpio is more like a seething cauldron due to constant inner struggle. Here, alongside emotions, there is also an abyss of inner energy. If harnessed correctly, it can function like a steam engine, and Scorpio can move mountains in the surrounding world. However, the feats of this sign rarely have practical significance; they are merely a way to prove something to oneself.
Pisces is open to all the emotions of the surrounding world. Immersing themselves in others’ troubles, empathizing, and “washing their wounds,” Pisces take on a tremendous burden, and their well-being depends on their ability to neutralize or transform this burden of negative emotions within themselves. Just as the ocean has absorbed all the waste of civilization for centuries yet remains alive as long as its internal self-purification laboratory functions.
Anatomical projections of the Zodiac signs
This section, especially the next one, is based on my original research that has not yet been published. It may be of particular interest to those who are curious about the application of astrology in health-related matters. I decided to publish this material because, in the end, we are all at least interested in our own health, especially when it becomes urgent.
Head, and first and foremost, the face.
Aries is the very first sign, and it is the face with which a person turns toward everything new that arises in the surrounding world. Among the most important organs belonging to Aries is the brain—the central command center of the body.
Taurus’ projections include the neck, throat, and the back of the head. It makes sense that the back of the head belongs to Taurus (even though the head as a whole belongs to Aries), if we consider the slight shift of Aries’ domain toward the face. Taurus is also often associated with the brain—the part of the brain located toward the back of the head.
Gemini projects onto the shoulders, collarbones, and shoulder blades, and internally onto the respiratory tract and lungs. Traditionally, the arms as a whole are attributed to Gemini, but following other authors, I am inclined to assign only the shoulders to Gemini, while the elbows, forearms, and hands belong to other signs of the Zodiac. There are several reasons for this. First, if you depict a person in a natural standing position with their arms lowered, the main part of the arms will fall far beyond the domain of Gemini, more in line with other signs. Second, I find the symmetry between anatomically similar body parts and corresponding signs significant. The elbow and knee joints are similar to each other and, in the proposed scheme, are governed by opposite (symmetrical) signs—Cancer and Capricorn. The same can be said of the hands and feet (Virgo—Pisces) as well as the forearms and parts of the legs from the knee to the foot (Leo—Aquarius). Finally, this hypothesis is supported by individual practical observations. For example, the owner of a severely afflicted Mars in Cancer regularly suffered from severe boils on the elbows (Mars is associated with acute inflammatory diseases, including boils).
But the main, classical correspondences of Cancer are the chest and the stomach area. As for organs, naturally, the stomach and mammary glands. And do not forget the elbows.
Leo projects onto the back, spine, and, if considering organs, the heart. The forearms likely also belong to this sign. The liver is most likely attributed to two signs at once—Leo and Virgo. This is not surprising given the size and variety of liver functions. In particular, the function of bile secretion is undoubtedly associated with Leo, and therefore the gallbladder should also be attributed to this sign.
Virgo is connected with the abdomen, abdominal cavity, and intestines. It is also associated with the pancreas, at least part of the liver, the hands, and possibly the spleen (though the latter is not entirely clear).
Libra is astrologically linked to the lumbar region, and in terms of organs, primarily the kidneys. However, the kidneys, like the liver, cannot be attributed to a single sign of the Zodiac. The main part of the kidneys is undoubtedly Libra, but the renal pelvis, which collects waste, as well as other parts of the urinary system, belong to Scorpio. There is a suspicion that the ovaries are also connected to Libra.
The anatomical projection of Scorpio extends to the pubic area and perineum, the genitals, uterus, urinary system, rectum, and anus.
The area governed by Sagittarius is the buttocks and thighs.
Capricorn has relatively little assigned to it—the knees—but few would doubt the importance of this part of the body.
Aquarius governs the part of the legs below the knee and above the foot.
Finally, the projection of Pisces is the feet.
You may notice an interesting pattern. Where the projections of the Zodiac signs fall on the torso, the negative signs (i.e., the even, or so-called feminine signs) clearly tend toward the front of the body (Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio), while the positive signs (the odd, masculine signs) tend toward the back (Leo, Libra, Sagittarius). This is not a coincidence: if you recall how a human embryo is “folded,” the projections of the positive, yang signs turn out, as they should, on the outside, while the negative, yin signs are on the inside. The head, however, does not follow this pattern. But there is nothing to be done about that—the head is simply a very unusual “part of the body.”
Functional projections of the Zodiac signs
Very little has been written about this in the literature, so the research gathering dust in my archives is, in a sense, unique.
The signs of the Zodiac are merely a ruler with divisions to track the movement of planets. In reality, they are voluminous and complex entities, almost alive—each with its own character and peculiarities. In the Zodiac, each sign describes its own stage of a cyclical process—from inception in Aries to completion in Pisces. Each sign represents a phase of the Universal Cycle, which I described in my book “Cosmic Rhythms of Life.” Thus, the signs of the Zodiac can be likened to the most vital functions of the organism and the systems that perform these functions.
The positive or masculine signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius) are associated with a group of functions that can be termed command-and-motion. Their role is to promptly respond to emerging stimuli, set goals in the external world, and manage organs and body parts to achieve these goals. Meanwhile, the negative or feminine signs are primarily linked to the nourishing and constructive group of functions. Their sphere of concern is confined to the body’s boundaries, with the main goal being to properly manage these limits, ensure the normal state of the internal environment, maintain sufficient reserves, promote the growth of useful tissues and organs, and eliminate harmful substances from the body.
Aries’ role is to immediately react to external and internal signals and issue “orders” to the organism. Therefore, Aries is functionally associated first and foremost with the central nervous system, and even with the somatic division of the nervous system, which is oriented toward the organism’s interaction with the environment. Presumably,The sphere of influence of Aries includes parts of the hormonal system that support the body’s response to external stimuli (consider, for example, adrenaline) and even the striated muscles—the primary executors of commands. Note that the functional components of Aries do not align with its anatomical projections. For instance, the spinal cord “territorially” belongs to Leo, but functionally—to Aries. And if later we see that a certain planet creates issues in one sign or another, we can judge, based on anatomical correspondence, in which area of the body this problem is most likely to manifest, and based on functional correspondence—which bodily functions (and the organ systems that implement them) will be involved.
If the sign of Aries can be compared to the commander-in-chief of the body, then Taurus is, of course, the deputy from the rear. The main task of Taurus is to provide the body with everything necessary, primarily nutrients. Under its jurisdiction are storage facilities—the body’s fat reserves—and that part of the digestive system associated with food absorption: the oral cavity, pharynx, tongue, and esophagus. All organs that form any reserves in the body (for example, the liver) are functionally linked to Taurus.
Gemini ensures communication, reception, and transmission of information—both within the body and with the external environment. To its “jurisdiction” belong various receptors and nerve fibers that transmit signals. The circulatory system performs many functions, but if we consider it as a carrier of hormones (sort of commands, i.e., chemically encrypted information), it can be regarded as one of the projections of the sign of Gemini. Another task of Gemini, also related to the circulatory system—but not only to it—is the transport of various substances, both useful and harmful, for the benefit of all other systems.
The sign of Cancer is the “kitchen” of the body. Its task is to assimilate nutrients that have entered the body. The etymology of the word “assimilation” is interesting—it comes from the word “own.” Cancer receives substances from Taurus that have come from the external world—generally foreign. It breaks them down, processes them, and they are assimilated—becoming one’s own, suitable as building blocks for constructing one’s own body. The building function—the creation of new cells, the growth of organs and tissues—also falls under the domain of Cancer. This sign acts as the “general manager” and supplier of materials for all growth processes in the body.
Leo governs the body’s main energy station—the heart—as well as the largest adjacent vessels that form the central, vital part of the circulatory system. Leo is also associated with the intangible but very important energy reservoir of vitality or life force in the body. Perhaps this mystical formation is located near the solar plexus. The amount of energy here determines both a person’s creative abilities and their ability to give life to another human being (thus sharing their energy).
The sign of Virgo is a kind of “dry cleaner” of the body. Its task is to separate “the wheat from the chaff,” keeping what is necessary and useful in the body while discarding what is harmful or simply unnecessary. Such a process of discernment and separation constantly occurs in our intestines, but not only there. The liver, kidneys, spleen—all these organs identify the presence of unnecessary substances in the body and separate them from useful ones, thus performing the function of Virgo.
Libra, as its name suggests, reflects the main function of this zodiac sign—the maintenance of balance in various processes within the body. Our body is highly vulnerable and can only function within a narrow range of temperatures, pressures, and concentrations of chemical substances. To ensure the stability of the internal environment (homeostasis), constant fine adjustments must be made—including in response to environmental conditions. This strongly resembles scales, whose axis is fixed while the pans constantly oscillate. In addition to the kidneys—Virgo’s traditional projection—Libra governs parts of the hormonal system that ensure homeostasis, possibly the vestibular apparatus, and numerous subsystems throughout the body tasked with signaling imbalances and taking measures to restore equilibrium.
Scorpio takes over the baton of negative signs from Virgo, and its task is to remove all unnecessary matter from the body. This process involves the excretory system, the rectum—traditional domains of Scorpio’s rulership—but also, apparently, the sweat glands distributed across the skin. The reproductive organs ensure the evacuation of the fetus after it has fully formed, and in this sense, they also belong to Scorpio’s functional system. If striated muscles correspond to the principle of Aries, then smooth muscles, which regulate the passage of various substances in the body, are more likely associated with Scorpio.
The sign of Sagittarius is probably linked to the arterial system, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the farthest reaches of the body, thus ensuring constant combustion—the oxidation of nutrients and the release of energy. This brings to mind the common astrological association of Sagittarius with missionaries who carried the light of knowledge and faith to the most remote corners of the Earth. It is quite possible that Sagittarius (with the help of Libra) is responsible for the body’s thermoregulation.
Capricorn is the body’s chief administrator, tasked with maintaining structure and protecting the body from external influences. Under its governance are the skeleton, skin, and hair covering. You may notice that signs opposite each other in the zodiac wheel more or less clearly form complementary pairs. Thus, Capricorn “encloses the body’s territory,” gives it form, and within these boundaries, Cancer manages its household.
creates the living environment. Aquarius is an unusual sign, and there are many different opinions about its functional correspondence. Much can be understood based on its relationship with the complementary sign of Leo. If Leo is the center of the organism, then Aquarius is its periphery; therefore, this sign is associated with the work of peripheral parts such as the nervous and circulatory systems. If for Leo (the heart) it is important to “pump” blood from the center, Aquarius is tasked with returning blood to the heart—and thus is linked to the venous system. The periphery strongly depends on the center but always has its own opinion, hence local spasms and circulatory disorders, which are likely associated with impaired Aquarius function. Interestingly, in astrology, Russia is attributed to this sign—a country, one might say, richest in periphery. In my view, Aquarius is responsible for the blood-forming function and is thus connected to the bone marrow, spleen, and other organs that support this function. And if we complete the analogy with Leo, we can suspect Aquarius’ involvement in the formation of germ cells—a process fueled by Leo’s energy.
Pisces is the last in the sequence of the Zodiac signs, and its role is largely tied to the completion of everything that other systems of the organism failed to finish or wasted, the neutralization and cessation of what is impossible—say, entrusted to Scorpio for elimination from the body. This sign is symbolically linked to the world ocean and is therefore responsible for the state of the body’s fluid environments. Pisces governs the lymphatic system, which, as it were, completes the circulation of fluids while simultaneously neutralizing foreign microorganisms. It also oversees the immune system—the body’s “secret police.” While I may not have succeeded in classifying everything found in the organism in this way, the general idea should be clear, and by analogy, you will always be able to determine which sign a particular function or subsystem belongs to. It should be noted that many (or perhaps all) of the most important functions are ensured by the interaction of several signs. For example, childbirth is ensured by at least Leo (the energetic ability to give life to another organism), Cancer (the constructive function that forms the fetus), and Scorpio (the ability to actually give birth to a child).
Another old development, which, however, has already been published in a book about rectification.
Аries
General Principles
Sharp-directed release of energy for gaining new experience, volitional striving for action, new beginnings, self-assertion, the spirit of a pioneer, self-sacrifice, leadership, initiative, “I am first,” “I do it myself.” Cardinal, hot, dry, Fire.
Functional Environment
Work requiring initiative and action, associated with the use of tools and force, engineering, military service.
Anatomical Correspondence
External: The head as a whole, face, forehead.
Internal: Brain and nerve centers.
Structural: Skull and facial bones.
Taurus
General Principles
Deep appreciation of current physical sensations, possession, retention, stability, certainty, nourishment, practicality, perseverance, sensuality, security, strength, voice.
Fixed, cold, dry, Earth.
Functional Environment
Agriculture, construction, architecture, finance, banking, work with a set schedule, singing.
Anatomical Correspondence
External: Neck, throat, occipital region.
Internal: Throat, esophagus, brain.
Structural: Cervical spine.
Gemini
General Principles
Immediate perception and verbal expression of all contacts, variability, flexibility, adaptation, speech, communication, exchange, mobility, mediation, ordinary surroundings.
Mutable, mental, barren, Air.
Functional Environment
Mental occupations, literary work, teaching, learning, journalism, advertising, trade, work involving travel, activities related to gathering or disseminating information.
Anatomical Correspondence
External: Shoulders.
Internal: Respiratory system, nerves.
Structural: Clavicles, shoulder blades, humerus.
Cancer
General Principles
Cardinal, cold, moist, Water.
Functional Environment
Supply, service, hospitality, upbringing, activities related to liquids, catering to the needs of women and the people, ensuring domestic needs.
Anatomical Correspondence
External: Chest, epigastrium, elbows.
Internal: Stomach, joints.
Leo
General Principles
Warming heat, radiating vitality, pride, brightness, need for recognition, individuality, creativity, generosity, loyalty, ability to lead.
Fixed, dry, hot, Fire.
Functional Environment
Theater, jewelry, cosmetics, entertainment, promotion, encouragement.
Anatomical Correspondence
External: Forearms, back.
Internal: Heart, blood, liver.
Structural: Thoracic vertebrae, radius, ulna, wrists.
Virgo
General Principles
Readiness to help, humility, need to serve, purity, improvement, concern for efficiency, attention to detail, criticality, analytical nature, thoroughness, discernment, practicality.
Mutable, cold, dry, sterile, Earth.
Functional Environment
Abilities, service, subordinate position.
Anatomical Correspondence
External: Abdominal area, navel, hands.
Internal: Viscera in general, pylorus, spleen, solar plexus, duodenum, small intestine.
Structural: a part of the spine corresponding to the region of Virgo Libra
General principles: Harmonization of all polarities for self-realization, balance, impartiality, tact, justice, reciprocity, consent
Cardinal, Air
Functional environment: Activities involving partnership and relationship-building, art, excretory organs, lumbar region
Internal: kidneys
Structural: lumbar vertebrae
Scorpio
General principles: Penetration through emotional intensity, insatiable desire, depth, mystery, rebirth, regeneration, deep devotion, magnetism, endurance, exploration, probing
Functional environment: Police, surgeons, bankers, miners, crime, occupations related to death, work involving exploration or intense concentration
Anatomical correspondence: External: reproductive organs
Internal: large intestine, rectum, bladder
Structural: striving for perfection, generalization, enthusiasm, progress, consciousness, philosophical nature, openness, abstraction, conditionality
Mutable, hot, dry, Fire
Adventure
Anatomical correspondence: External: thighs and pelvic region
Internal: arterial system and sciatic nerve
Structural: pelvic and thigh bones
Capricorn
General principles: Impersonal determination to see things through, self-control, caution, ambition, patience, conservatism, justice
Cardinal, cold, dry, Earth
Functional environment: Administration, government activities, politics, occupations requiring persistence and organizational skills
Anatomical correspondence: External: knees and epidermis
Internal: connective tissue
Structural: knee joints
Aquarius
General principles: Free individuality, detachment, scientific nature, progressiveness, independence, love of freedom
Fixed, humanitarian, Air
Functional environment: Work in public organizations or related to electricity, invention, lecturing, advice and recommendations, water distribution, modern technology
Internal: circulation, respiration, vision
Structural: bones of the lower limbs – tibia, fibula, ankle bones
Pisces
General principles: Healing involvement with all who suffer, idealism, unity, inspiration, yearning, vulnerability, sacrifice, charity, karma, end of a cycle
Mutable, moist, cold, Water
Functional environment: Religious life, monasticism, hospital work, medicine, prisons and shelters, care for the mentally ill and disabled, secret activities, photography, film production, work related to oil, sea, chemicals
External: feet and toes
Internal: glandular apparatus, lymphatic system, synovial fluid
Structural: bones of the feet and toes
Well, perhaps that’s enough for today… Next time, we’ll study the relationships between planets and the signs of the Zodiac.
Homework
Choose among your relatives and acquaintances those who clearly represent any of the Zodiac signs. For now, we’ll consider a person to be a clear representative of a particular sign if three or more planets are located in that sign (if the Sun and personal planets are there, two will suffice). It’s quite possible that you’ll encounter people who are clear representatives of not one but two or even three signs—for example, half the planets in Taurus, half in Aries. Correlate what you know about these people with the characteristics of the Zodiac signs I’ve provided. Think about whether you might want to add something to my characteristics and keywords.
You don’t know how to determine which signs the planets are in? Then use the program on my website.
Practical session
I hope everyone has already installed an astrological program? I recommend the ZET astroprocessor, the free version of which can be found at http://astrologer.ru/ZET/. If you encounter installation issues, contact the program’s author, Anatoly Zaitsev.
Among the knowledge that will be absolutely necessary for us in practice is a clear understanding of what zone time is and what Greenwich time is. You can read about this in one of the archived issues under the section “Timekeeping System.” I wouldn’t want to repeat this material in the lectures, as it’s essentially elementary. Try to figure it out on your own, and if you can’t, let me know.
Lecture 6. Planets and the Signs of the Zodiac.
We’ve already familiarized ourselves with the planets and the signs. It’s time to see how planets interact with the signs. Typically, astrology textbooks devote one page to this topic: domicile, exaltation—good; detriment, fall—bad, move on… However, in my understanding, the relationship between planets and signs is one of the fundamental topics. The success or failure of a plan, harmony or disharmony in relationships, and an accurate assessment of a person’s potential all depend to a large extent on how these relationships are structured. So we won’t rush; we’ll examine this in detail.
The concept of domicile and the domicile scheme
One of the fundamental principles of astrology is that each planet has one or two signs in the Zodiac as its domicile. These are the signs whose qualities and symbolism are most closely aligned with the planet. The connection between planets and their dwellings is so strong that, for practical purposes in horoscope interpretation, a planet is considered an extension of and a “full-fledged representative” of the signs in which it resides.
To avoid inserting an image (some readers may not see images, so I’ll minimize illustrations), I suggest you keep a Zodiac diagram in front of you—for example, from the previous lecture or any of the many astrological books available today.
Let me introduce you to the classical, traditional domicile scheme. This scheme is logical, symmetrical, and has existed since ancient times. It includes only the seven classical planets (the septenary). The Sun and Moon govern only one sign each—Leo and Cancer, respectively. They are the luminaries, and apart from their own palace, they seemingly need nothing else. (Yes, I forgot to mention: a planet that has a domicile in a particular sign is said to govern that sign.)
The other planets, however, have two domiciles each, symmetrically positioned relative to Cancer and Leo. Mercury governs Gemini (adjacent to Cancer) and Virgo (adjacent to Leo). Venus governs Taurus and Libra. Mars governs Aries and Scorpio. Jupiter governs Pisces and Sagittarius. Saturn governs Aquarius and Capricorn.
See how logical and symmetrical the scheme is? But imagine what happened when Uranus was discovered. There was simply no place for it in the domicile scheme! You could say that the discovery of Uranus sent a shock through astrological theory, shaking its foundations. New, “improved” domicile schemes were immediately proposed. Eventually, it was agreed that Uranus is associated with the sign of Aquarius. How is it associated? Some believe Uranus is the sole ruler of Aquarius, displacing Saturn. Others argue that Uranus is a co-ruler of Aquarius alongside Saturn. A similar commotion repeated with the discovery of Neptune and then Pluto. Neptune was “assigned” to Pisces, which makes sense—the god of the ocean and the sign most associated with seas and oceans. Pluto was assigned to Scorpio, which is mythologically and symbolically quite meaningful. But in both cases, it’s unclear on what grounds. Some believe the new planets displaced the old tenants from their domiciles, while others think they merely pushed them aside, becoming co-rulers (creating a kind of communal apartment:). Everyone forgot that planets are, in fact, gods, and housing issues are not their concern.
The modern domicile distribution scheme that emerged as a result is asymmetrical and not particularly logical, not to mention the ambiguity—different astrological schools propose their own schemes. Some even suggest domiciles for Chiron, Proserpina, and other real or hypothetical objects. I will offer you a different perspective on domicile distribution. In my understanding, the higher planets do not crowd out or evict the traditional planets from their signs. After all, they are called higher because they correspond to a different, higher range of reality.Two radio waves do not interfere with each other if they have different frequencies. Higher planets have domiciles in the same signs as traditional planets, but on the second floor, more elevated ones. Thus, Uranus has domiciles in the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Neptune — in the signs of Sagittarius and Pisces. Pluto — in the signs of Scorpio and Aries. Hereafter, I will proceed from this distribution scheme of domiciles. An interesting corollary can be drawn from this scheme. The next open planet should have domiciles above Venus, in Taurus and Libra, and thus be the highest expression of the principles of these signs. Perhaps this is the recently discovered celestial object with the unpronounceable name Quaoar. Well, the name will eventually “shake down,” and something from Greco-Roman mythology will be chosen. After all, Uranus was long called Herschel — such a name even appears in books from the early 20th century. It is logical to assume that one day a planet will be discovered that has domiciles above Mercury — in Gemini and Virgo. And then what — will higher manifestations of the luminaries appear? It is even hard to imagine… And further — perhaps the third floor will start to fill? You see, if we approach the domicile scheme as I propose, it again becomes logical, symmetrical — and, most importantly, spacious, open to additions.
To conclude this topic, I want to draw your attention to a correspondence that does not quite fit here but is interesting and useful. The fact that, say, Uranus resides above Saturn could be interpreted as: Uranus is the highest manifestation of Saturn. However, this assumption is incorrect; astrology reveals quite different connections between “lower” and “higher” planets. For example, Uranus is sometimes called the highest Mercury. And if we compare the symbolism of these planets, such a correspondence makes sense. Both relate to information — but of different kinds. Mercury governs ordinary information, while Uranus governs information from above, a brilliant insight, a breakthrough beyond the boundaries of mundane thought. Both planets are called electrical — they are often “culprits” of malfunctions in communication systems and electrical circuits. In astrometeorology, both, though in different ways, are associated with the movement of air masses and cold.
Neptune is called the highest Venus, and this also makes practical sense. I will not point out the related symbolism; I suggest you study this question independently. What is entirely obvious, however, is the connection of both planets with the distribution of moisture in nature. Finally, Pluto is the highest Mars, and practical evidence of this is not hard to find. In astrometeorology, both are associated with energy — specifically, with heat.
From this perspective, it is logical to assume that the new planet (Qu… what is its name again?) is the higher Jupiter, and later a higher Saturn will appear. You see what an interesting continuation the domicile scheme I propose acquires?
Well, schemes are certainly interesting, but it is time to move on to the main topic. The symbolic meaning of domicile — the planet’s home. How do we feel at home? Generally, quite well. It is a place that serves as our starting point, inextricably linked to us; from here we venture into the surrounding world, and it is here we return to rest and restore our strength. At home, we do not need to prove anything to anyone; we can take a bath, put on our favorite robe, do whatever our heart desires… Likewise, a planet in its domicile feels calm and natural, gaining a special, serene, and confident power. No wonder they say, “Houses and walls help.” The planet and the sign of its domicile are in resonance and mutually amplify each other. If I were to offer a visual image, a planet in its domicile reminds me of a yellow lizard on yellow desert sand, where it lives.
Another important point: a planet in its domicile is strong on an intuitive-instinctive level. We come home, and if our head is occupied with anything, it is usually events beyond the walls. We act automatically — we find the light switch without looking, put the kettle on without thinking… So it is with a planet in its domicile — one of its components.
