February 2015 New Moon

The February 2015 new moon is an interesting one. It falls in the very last few minutes of tropical Aquarius. The new moon is at the midpoint of transiting Uranus and Pluto, which are in the final throes of their seven-time square.

One of the most interesting aspects of this new moon is its opposition to the fixed star Regulus. This star made a sign change in late 2011, moving from its two thousand year journey through tropical Leo to begin a two thousand year passage through tropical Virgo.

Dane Rudhyar and others have speculated that this sign change for the star associated with the Heart of the Lion (Leo) marks the beginning of the Age of Aquarius. This is because the star falls exactly 150 degrees from the Vernal Equinox.

Therefore when Regulus changes sign in the tropical zodiac, the vernal equinox (the First Point of Aries) changes sign in the sidereal zodiac, in this case from sidereal Pisces to sidereal Aquarius (assuming a sidereal zodiac of twelve signs of thirty degrees each).

Regulus is the stellar king, being one of the brightest stars in the sky, but also the brightest star lying closest to the ecliptic. This makes it a natural fiducial star, one that might be used to measure the passage of ages.

The following chart shows the new moon for 18 February 2015, set for Exeter. Interestingly, the opposition Sun-Regulus occurs more or less exactly as the star culminates at this longitude.

Figure 1: February 2015 New Moon (opposite Regulus)

In the latter part of 2015, Jupiter will conjunct Regulus as it enters Virgo. This may mark a major turning point in some of the issues that currently beset the world, including conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and North Africa.

One interpretation of the movement of Regulus into Virgo is that much of the world's current attachment to monotheistic religion may wane. It will be worth watching the transit of Jupiter to Regulus to see if this bears out.

The Definition of the Ascendant

The ascendant is the fundamental angle of the horoscope. It is one of the features of the horoscope that has endured over millenia and has been central to astrological practice since classical times. The ascendant first appeared as an astrological feature in classical Greek horoscopes around 200 BCE (Avelar and Ribeiro, p. 5).

Astrologers will often define the ascendant as the point of the ecliptic on the eastern horizon at the time and place of birth. This is a reasonably good definition and is found in reliable textbooks. For example, in The Revised Waite's Compendium of Natal Astrology, the ascendant is defined as the point of the ecliptic which cuts the eastern horizon (Candlish, p. 20). In this textbook it is noted that the ascendant varies according to the time and place (i.e., latitude) of birth.

Robert Hand provides two useful and more precise definitions of the point in his essay on the ascendant, midheaven and vertex in extreme latitudes (for reference see below). Hand's first definition is that the ascendant may be the point of intersection of the rational horizon and ecliptic in the east (i.e., the eastern node). His second definition is that the ascendant may be the ascending node of the ecliptic upon the rational horizon. (Hand, p. 132)

Hand introduces an important refinement in both definitions. He makes it clear that the horizon used by astrologers when identifying the ascendant is the rational horizon rather than the visible or apparent horizon. The visible horizon is the horizon available to the observer at the time and place for which the chart is cast. This is a small circle engirding the place lying parallel to the rational horizon. (Mayo, p. 15-16) The rational horizon is a great circle defined by points at a distance of ninety degrees from the zenith, the point immediately above the observer on the celestial sphere. (Mitton, p. 191)

This definition of the rational horizon uses the concept of zenith distance. The definition of zenith distance is taken from Mitton's Dictionary of Astronomy. Zenith distance is "the angular distance from the zenith to a point on the celestial sphere, measured along a great circle." (Mitton, p. 416) The great circles in the example of the rational horizon will run through the zenith and nadir.

In the following image, the horizontal frame of reference is shown, with the rational horizon being the green plane running through the east, north, west and south points. The red arrows running from the zenith to the rational horizon illustrate the zenith distance of ninety degrees that defines this plane.

Figure 1: The Celestial Sphere (Horizontal Frame of Reference)

In a previous blog entry I used the concept of zenith distance to define the midheaven. The midheaven or MC is the degree of the ecliptic that has attained its minimum zenith distance during a diurnal cycle, irrespective of its direction in relation to an observer or its height in relation to the horizon. (http://www.exeterastrologygroup.org.uk/2015/01/the-definition-of-midheaven_18.html) In this second article, I would like to explore the possibility of defining the ascendant in astrology using the same terms and conditions as that adduced for the midheaven.

In this case, the ascendant ought to be defined without reference to direction (east) or according to above and below (the ascending node option). In this second instance, the ascendant would be defined as the point of intersection between the ecliptic and the rational horizon where the ecliptic moves above the reference plane (the rational horizon).

To define the ascendant using the same terms and conditions as that used for the midheaven, we have to limit ourselves to reference to zenith distance. I wish to suggest that a definition of the ascendant using this concept is that it is the point on the ecliptic that has a zenith distance of ninety degrees but has not yet attained its minimum zenith distance during the diurnal cycle. The two criteria - zenith distance, not yet attained its MZD - are necessary to distinguish the ascendant from the descendant. The latter also has a zenith distance of ninety degrees. The distinguishing feature of the descendant is that it is the point on the ecliptic with this zenith distance that has already attained its minimum zenith distance during the diurnal cycle.

How does this definition work. Firstly, the specification of the zenith distance ensures that the ecliptic degree coincides with a point on rational horizon, i.e., both points have a zenith distance of ninety degrees. This is in fact what the ascendant is - the intersection or coincidence of the two planes: the ecliptic and rational horizon. Secondly, the rising degree - or ascendant - is moving from its intersection with the rational horizon towards its intersection with the meridian when it will attain its minimum zenith distance during the day (it will be at is closest approach to the zenith).

The descendant is the point opposite the ascendant, exactly fulfilling the condition of having a zenith distance of ninety degrees (again coincident with a point on the horizon) but having attained its MZD earlier in the day, i.e., it is now setting.

In this definition of the ascendant, the application of direction (east) or concepts of above and below are not required to make a precise meaning of the term. In fact, the ascendant so defined will always be in the eastern half of the rational horizon and the descendant will always be in the western half of the same plane. However, the application of direction is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for the definition of the concept. Likewise, the recourse to above and below is not required and can be dispensed with, as we did for the definition of the midheaven.

In the following image, the definition of the ascendant offered above is illustrated. Note that the coincidence of the plane of the ecliptic and the plane of the rational horizon occurs at zenith distance of ninety degrees. The rising degree will move from its position on the horizon to the MC during the course of one diurnal cycle and set later at a zenith distance of ninety degrees.

Figure 2: The Ascendant Definition Illustrated

We now have precise definitions for the angles of the horoscope using the minimum number of concepts. In fact, in both cases, the concept of zenith distance is the only term that needs to be formally employed. Both definitions work at all latitudes and for any time during a diurnal cycle. That is, they are universally applicable, unlike, in particular, alternative definitions of the midheaven that have been offered using the concepts of direction and above/below.

The midheaven is defined as the ecliptic degree that is at its minimum zenith distance during its diurnal cycle. This degree will always be coincident with the meridian of the place but the zenith distance of any particular degree on the MC will vary with the latitude of the place. When a degree is on the midheaven it is at its closest approach to the zenith during its diurnal cycle. The degree may, in some circumstances in the polar circles, be below the horizon.

The ascendant is defined as the ecliptic degree that has a zenith distance of ninety degrees but is yet to attain its minimum zenith distance during its diurnal cycle. It will, in due course, become the midheaven, but will not do so until it coincides with the meridian of the place and attains its MZD. The descendant is the ecliptic degree that has a zenith distance of ninety degrees and has already attained its minimum zenith distance.

The IC (Imum Coeli) is the ecliptic degree that is at is maximum zenith distance during its diurnal cycle. This degree will always be coincident with the meridian of the place but the zenith distance of any particular degree on the IC will vary with the latitude of the place. When a degree is on the IC it is at its furthest distance from the zenith during its diurnal cycle. The degree may, in some circumstances in the polar circles, be above the horizon.

The nonagesimal degree is the point on the ecliptic that is closest to the zenith at the time and place for which the chart is cast - that is, it is the point on the ecliptic that has the minimum zenith distance measured on any great circle running through the zenith and nadir at this time and place.This point is different from the MC; the degree associated with the nonagesimal will have been, or will be, closer to the zenith when it had, or has, its MZD on the meridian. The MC and the nonagesimal will only coincide when the first degree of Aries or the first degree of Libra rises, that is, when the equinoctial axis has a zenith distance of exactly ninety degrees.

In a later blog, I will explore some of the implications of these definitions, particularly for house systems generally employed by astrologers.

REFERENCES

Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro (2010) On the Heavenly Spheres: A Treatise on Traditional Astrology. AFA Press.
Alan Candlish (1990) The Revised Waite's Compendium of Natal Astrology. Arkana Penguin.
Robert Hand (1982) Essays on Astrology: The Ascendant, Midheaven and Vertex in Extreme Latitudes. Whitford Press.
Jeff Mayo (1976) The Astrologer's Astronomical Handbook. L N Fowler and Co.
Jaqueline Mitton (1993) The Penguin Dictionary of Astronomy. Penguin Books.

Phaethon Ephemeris - 2015

Phaethon is a hypothetical point used in astrology. For more information see:

Interview with Bernard Eccles

Bernard was one of the authors of the classic astrology book called Dark Stars. He co-authored it with Eric Morse. They described it as the remnants of an exploded planet or second sun. It is associated with the asteroid belt.

The following positions are determined using the more precise method of calculating planetary positions outlined in Peter Duffett- Smith's book Practical Astronomy With Your Calculator. The routine was converted into a simple program written in BASIC.

I have checked the output against the ephemeris provided by Raymond Henry (Eric Morse) and Bernard Fitzwalter (Bernard Eccles) in Dark Stars, the book where they discuss Phaethon. The positions correlate with those in Dark Stars, for the period 1900-2003, within about 15 minutes of longitude, and generally no more than 30 minutes of longitude.


2015 - Phaethon Positions for midnight

All positions are direct, unless followed by S - stationary or R - retrograde

1 Jan 2015, 1 AQ 2
2 Jan 2015, 1 AQ 27
3 Jan 2015, 1 AQ 52
4 Jan 2015, 2 AQ 17
5 Jan 2015, 2 AQ 43
6 Jan 2015, 3 AQ 8
7 Jan 2015, 3 AQ 33
8 Jan 2015, 3 AQ 58
9 Jan 2015, 4 AQ 24
10 Jan 2015, 4 AQ 49
11 Jan 2015, 5 AQ 14
12 Jan 2015, 5 AQ 40
13 Jan 2015, 6 AQ 5
14 Jan 2015, 6 AQ 31
15 Jan 2015, 6 AQ 56
16 Jan 2015, 7 AQ 22
17 Jan 2015, 7 AQ 47
18 Jan 2015, 8 AQ 13
19 Jan 2015, 8 AQ 38
20 Jan 2015, 9 AQ 4
21 Jan 2015, 9 AQ 29
22 Jan 2015, 9 AQ 55
23 Jan 2015, 10 AQ 20
24 Jan 2015, 10 AQ 46
25 Jan 2015, 11 AQ 12
26 Jan 2015, 11 AQ 37
27 Jan 2015, 12 AQ 3
28 Jan 2015, 12 AQ 29
29 Jan 2015, 12 AQ 54
30 Jan 2015, 13 AQ 20
31 Jan 2015, 13 AQ 46
1 Feb 2015, 14 AQ 11
2 Feb 2015, 14 AQ 37
3 Feb 2015, 15 AQ 3
4 Feb 2015, 15 AQ 28
5 Feb 2015, 15 AQ 54
6 Feb 2015, 16 AQ 20
7 Feb 2015, 16 AQ 45
8 Feb 2015, 17 AQ 11
9 Feb 2015, 17 AQ 37
10 Feb 2015, 18 AQ 2
11 Feb 2015, 18 AQ 28
12 Feb 2015, 18 AQ 54
13 Feb 2015, 19 AQ 19
14 Feb 2015, 19 AQ 45
15 Feb 2015, 20 AQ 11
16 Feb 2015, 20 AQ 36
17 Feb 2015, 21 AQ 2
18 Feb 2015, 21 AQ 28
19 Feb 2015, 21 AQ 53
20 Feb 2015, 22 AQ 19
21 Feb 2015, 22 AQ 45
22 Feb 2015, 23 AQ 10
23 Feb 2015, 23 AQ 36
24 Feb 2015, 24 AQ 1
25 Feb 2015, 24 AQ 27
26 Feb 2015, 24 AQ 52
27 Feb 2015, 25 AQ 18
28 Feb 2015, 25 AQ 43
1 Mar 2015, 26 AQ 9
2 Mar 2015, 26 AQ 34
3 Mar 2015, 27 AQ 0
4 Mar 2015, 27 AQ 25
5 Mar 2015, 27 AQ 51
6 Mar 2015, 28 AQ 16
7 Mar 2015, 28 AQ 41
8 Mar 2015, 29 AQ 7
9 Mar 2015, 29 AQ 32
10 Mar 2015, 29 AQ 57
11 Mar 2015, 0 PI 23
12 Mar 2015, 0 PI 48
13 Mar 2015, 1 PI 13
14 Mar 2015, 1 PI 38
15 Mar 2015, 2 PI 3
16 Mar 2015, 2 PI 28
17 Mar 2015, 2 PI 53
18 Mar 2015, 3 PI 18
19 Mar 2015, 3 PI 43
20 Mar 2015, 4 PI 8
21 Mar 2015, 4 PI 33
22 Mar 2015, 4 PI 58
23 Mar 2015, 5 PI 23
24 Mar 2015, 5 PI 48
25 Mar 2015, 6 PI 13
26 Mar 2015, 6 PI 38
27 Mar 2015, 7 PI 2
28 Mar 2015, 7 PI 27
29 Mar 2015, 7 PI 51
30 Mar 2015, 8 PI 16
31 Mar 2015, 8 PI 41
1 Apr 2015, 9 PI 5
2 Apr 2015, 9 PI 30
3 Apr 2015, 9 PI 54
4 Apr 2015, 10 PI 18
5 Apr 2015, 10 PI 43
6 Apr 2015, 11 PI 7
7 Apr 2015, 11 PI 31
8 Apr 2015, 11 PI 55
9 Apr 2015, 12 PI 19
10 Apr 2015, 12 PI 43
11 Apr 2015, 13 PI 7
12 Apr 2015, 13 PI 31
13 Apr 2015, 13 PI 55
14 Apr 2015, 14 PI 19
15 Apr 2015, 14 PI 42
16 Apr 2015, 15 PI 6
17 Apr 2015, 15 PI 30
18 Apr 2015, 15 PI 53
19 Apr 2015, 16 PI 17
20 Apr 2015, 16 PI 40
21 Apr 2015, 17 PI 3
22 Apr 2015, 17 PI 27
23 Apr 2015, 17 PI 50
24 Apr 2015, 18 PI 13
25 Apr 2015, 18 PI 36
26 Apr 2015, 18 PI 59
27 Apr 2015, 19 PI 22
28 Apr 2015, 19 PI 45
29 Apr 2015, 20 PI 7
30 Apr 2015, 20 PI 30
1 May 2015, 20 PI 53
2 May 2015, 21 PI 15
3 May 2015, 21 PI 38
4 May 2015, 22 PI 0
5 May 2015, 22 PI 22
6 May 2015, 22 PI 44
7 May 2015, 23 PI 7
8 May 2015, 23 PI 29
9 May 2015, 23 PI 50
10 May 2015, 24 PI 12
11 May 2015, 24 PI 34
12 May 2015, 24 PI 56
13 May 2015, 25 PI 17
14 May 2015, 25 PI 38
15 May 2015, 26 PI 0
16 May 2015, 26 PI 21
17 May 2015, 26 PI 42
18 May 2015, 27 PI 3
19 May 2015, 27 PI 24
20 May 2015, 27 PI 45
21 May 2015, 28 PI 5
22 May 2015, 28 PI 26
23 May 2015, 28 PI 46
24 May 2015, 29 PI 7
25 May 2015, 29 PI 27
26 May 2015, 29 PI 47
27 May 2015, 0 AR 7
28 May 2015, 0 AR 27
29 May 2015, 0 AR 47
30 May 2015, 1 AR 6
31 May 2015, 1 AR 26
1 Jun 2015, 1 AR 45
2 Jun 2015, 2 AR 4
3 Jun 2015, 2 AR 23
4 Jun 2015, 2 AR 42
5 Jun 2015, 3 AR 1
6 Jun 2015, 3 AR 20
7 Jun 2015, 3 AR 38
8 Jun 2015, 3 AR 56
9 Jun 2015, 4 AR 15
10 Jun 2015, 4 AR 33
11 Jun 2015, 4 AR 51
12 Jun 2015, 5 AR 8
13 Jun 2015, 5 AR 26
14 Jun 2015, 5 AR 43
15 Jun 2015, 6 AR 1
16 Jun 2015, 6 AR 18
17 Jun 2015, 6 AR 35
18 Jun 2015, 6 AR 51
19 Jun 2015, 7 AR 8
20 Jun 2015, 7 AR 24
21 Jun 2015, 7 AR 40
22 Jun 2015, 7 AR 56
23 Jun 2015, 8 AR 12
24 Jun 2015, 8 AR 28
25 Jun 2015, 8 AR 43
26 Jun 2015, 8 AR 58
27 Jun 2015, 9 AR 13
28 Jun 2015, 9 AR 28
29 Jun 2015, 9 AR 43
30 Jun 2015, 9 AR 57
1 Jul 2015, 10 AR 12
2 Jul 2015, 10 AR 26
3 Jul 2015, 10 AR 39
4 Jul 2015, 10 AR 53
5 Jul 2015, 11 AR 6
6 Jul 2015, 11 AR 19
7 Jul 2015, 11 AR 32
8 Jul 2015, 11 AR 45
9 Jul 2015, 11 AR 57
10 Jul 2015, 12 AR 9
11 Jul 2015, 12 AR 21
12 Jul 2015, 12 AR 33
13 Jul 2015, 12 AR 44
14 Jul 2015, 12 AR 55
15 Jul 2015, 13 AR 6
16 Jul 2015, 13 AR 16
17 Jul 2015, 13 AR 27
18 Jul 2015, 13 AR 37
19 Jul 2015, 13 AR 47
20 Jul 2015, 13 AR 56
21 Jul 2015, 14 AR 5
22 Jul 2015, 14 AR 14
23 Jul 2015, 14 AR 23
24 Jul 2015, 14 AR 31
25 Jul 2015, 14 AR 39
26 Jul 2015, 14 AR 47
27 Jul 2015, 14 AR 54
28 Jul 2015, 15 AR 1
29 Jul 2015, 15 AR 8
30 Jul 2015, 15 AR 14
31 Jul 2015, 15 AR 20
1 Aug 2015, 15 AR 26
2 Aug 2015, 15 AR 31
3 Aug 2015, 15 AR 36
4 Aug 2015, 15 AR 41
5 Aug 2015, 15 AR 45
6 Aug 2015, 15 AR 49
7 Aug 2015, 15 AR 53
8 Aug 2015, 15 AR 56
9 Aug 2015, 15 AR 59
10 Aug 2015, 16 AR 2
11 Aug 2015, 16 AR 4
12 Aug 2015, 16 AR 6
13 Aug 2015, 16 AR 8
14 Aug 2015, 16 AR 9
15 Aug 2015, 16 AR 9
16 Aug 2015, 16 AR 10 S
17 Aug 2015, 16 AR 10 S
18 Aug 2015, 16 AR 9 S
19 Aug 2015, 16 AR 8 R
20 Aug 2015, 16 AR 7 R
21 Aug 2015, 16 AR 6 R
22 Aug 2015, 16 AR 4 R
23 Aug 2015, 16 AR 1 R
24 Aug 2015, 15 AR 59 R
25 Aug 2015, 15 AR 56 R
26 Aug 2015, 15 AR 52 R
27 Aug 2015, 15 AR 48 R
28 Aug 2015, 15 AR 44 R
29 Aug 2015, 15 AR 39 R
30 Aug 2015, 15 AR 34 R
31 Aug 2015, 15 AR 29 R
1 Sep 2015, 15 AR 23 R
2 Sep 2015, 15 AR 17 R
3 Sep 2015, 15 AR 10 R
4 Sep 2015, 15 AR 4 R
5 Sep 2015, 14 AR 56 R
6 Sep 2015, 14 AR 49 R
7 Sep 2015, 14 AR 41 R
8 Sep 2015, 14 AR 32 R
9 Sep 2015, 14 AR 24 R
10 Sep 2015, 14 AR 15 R
11 Sep 2015, 14 AR 6 R
12 Sep 2015, 13 AR 56 R
13 Sep 2015, 13 AR 46 R
14 Sep 2015, 13 AR 36 R
15 Sep 2015, 13 AR 25 R
16 Sep 2015, 13 AR 15 R
17 Sep 2015, 13 AR 4 R
18 Sep 2015, 12 AR 52 R
19 Sep 2015, 12 AR 41 R
20 Sep 2015, 12 AR 29 R
21 Sep 2015, 12 AR 17 R
22 Sep 2015, 12 AR 5 R
23 Sep 2015, 11 AR 53 R
24 Sep 2015, 11 AR 40 R
25 Sep 2015, 11 AR 27 R
26 Sep 2015, 11 AR 14 R
27 Sep 2015, 11 AR 1 R
28 Sep 2015, 10 AR 48 R
29 Sep 2015, 10 AR 35 R
30 Sep 2015, 10 AR 22 R
1 Oct 2015, 10 AR 8 R
2 Oct 2015, 9 AR 55 R
3 Oct 2015, 9 AR 41 R
4 Oct 2015, 9 AR 28 R
5 Oct 2015, 9 AR 14 R
6 Oct 2015, 9 AR 1 R
7 Oct 2015, 8 AR 47 R
8 Oct 2015, 8 AR 34 R
9 Oct 2015, 8 AR 20 R
10 Oct 2015, 8 AR 7 R
11 Oct 2015, 7 AR 53 R
12 Oct 2015, 7 AR 40 R
13 Oct 2015, 7 AR 27 R
14 Oct 2015, 7 AR 14 R
15 Oct 2015, 7 AR 1 R
16 Oct 2015, 6 AR 49 R
17 Oct 2015, 6 AR 36 R
18 Oct 2015, 6 AR 24 R
19 Oct 2015, 6 AR 12 R
20 Oct 2015, 6 AR 0 R
21 Oct 2015, 5 AR 49 R
22 Oct 2015, 5 AR 37 R
23 Oct 2015, 5 AR 26 R
24 Oct 2015, 5 AR 15 R
25 Oct 2015, 5 AR 5 R
26 Oct 2015, 4 AR 54 R
27 Oct 2015, 4 AR 44 R
28 Oct 2015, 4 AR 35 R
29 Oct 2015, 4 AR 25 R
30 Oct 2015, 4 AR 16 R
31 Oct 2015, 4 AR 8 R
1 Nov 2015, 3 AR 59 R
2 Nov 2015, 3 AR 51 R
3 Nov 2015, 3 AR 44 R
4 Nov 2015, 3 AR 37 R
5 Nov 2015, 3 AR 30 R
6 Nov 2015, 3 AR 23 R
7 Nov 2015, 3 AR 17 R
8 Nov 2015, 3 AR 11 R
9 Nov 2015, 3 AR 6 R
10 Nov 2015, 3 AR 1 R
11 Nov 2015, 2 AR 56 R
12 Nov 2015, 2 AR 52 R
13 Nov 2015, 2 AR 48 R
14 Nov 2015, 2 AR 45 R
15 Nov 2015, 2 AR 42 R
16 Nov 2015, 2 AR 39 R
17 Nov 2015, 2 AR 37 R
18 Nov 2015, 2 AR 35 R
19 Nov 2015, 2 AR 34 R
20 Nov 2015, 2 AR 33 R
21 Nov 2015, 2 AR 32 R
22 Nov 2015, 2 AR 32 S
23 Nov 2015, 2 AR 32 S
24 Nov 2015, 2 AR 33
25 Nov 2015, 2 AR 34
26 Nov 2015, 2 AR 35
27 Nov 2015, 2 AR 37
28 Nov 2015, 2 AR 39
29 Nov 2015, 2 AR 41
30 Nov 2015, 2 AR 44
1 Dec 2015, 2 AR 48
2 Dec 2015, 2 AR 51
3 Dec 2015, 2 AR 55
4 Dec 2015, 3 AR 0
5 Dec 2015, 3 AR 4
6 Dec 2015, 3 AR 10
7 Dec 2015, 3 AR 15
8 Dec 2015, 3 AR 21
9 Dec 2015, 3 AR 27
10 Dec 2015, 3 AR 34
11 Dec 2015, 3 AR 41
12 Dec 2015, 3 AR 48
13 Dec 2015, 3 AR 55
14 Dec 2015, 4 AR 3
15 Dec 2015, 4 AR 11
16 Dec 2015, 4 AR 20
17 Dec 2015, 4 AR 29
18 Dec 2015, 4 AR 38
19 Dec 2015, 4 AR 47
20 Dec 2015, 4 AR 57
21 Dec 2015, 5 AR 7
22 Dec 2015, 5 AR 18
23 Dec 2015, 5 AR 28
24 Dec 2015, 5 AR 39
25 Dec 2015, 5 AR 50
26 Dec 2015, 6 AR 2
27 Dec 2015, 6 AR 14
28 Dec 2015, 6 AR 26
29 Dec 2015, 6 AR 38
30 Dec 2015, 6 AR 51
31 Dec 2015, 7 AR 4

References

Bernard Fitzwalter and Raymond Henry (1988) Dark Stars: Invisible Focal Points in Astrology. Wellingborough: The Aquarian Press. The authors adopted these pseudonyms for the publication of Dark Stars. The authors' actual names were Bernard Eccles (Fitzwalter) and Eric Morse (Henry).

Peter Duffett-Smith (1988) Practical Astronomy with your Calculator (3rd ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Bernard and Eric's original programming in the 1980's used the methods outlined by Duffett-Smith in his book.

Greek General Election - follow up

Syriza did indeed win the Greek General Election and Alexis Tsipras has been sworn in as prime minister. It occurred to me that the size of Syriza's victory – just a couple of seats short of an outright majority – mirrored that of Angela Merkel in 2013. I decided to have a look at Germany's re-unification chart to see if there were any similarities with Greece's national chart. To my utter amazement, I discovered that Germany has 4 Leo 22 rising – almost exactly the same degree as Alexis Tsipras' Sun (4 Leo 57 at noon – birth time unknown). His Sun is also conjunct Germany's South Node, which suggests unfinished business.

(Click to enlarge)

I can't see anything else of great significance between the two charts. There's a close Saturn-Neptune opposition between Greece's (remember – the Greek national chart is almost the same as Tsipras') and Germany's, but you'd expect it to involve Germany's Saturn and Greece's Neptune – not the other way round. Or does this suggest that Tsipras will force Germany to be more realistic about its dream of a United States of Europe?

In turn, transiting Saturn will be making its presence felt in Greece later this year as it will contact Greece's and Tsipras' Neptune in November. So it's possible that both parties are going to have to take reality checks and disappointment. No strong personal interaction between Merkel's and Tsipras' charts leaps out at me. However, his North Node is conjunct her Ascendant and his Uranus is stirring things up for her as it's conjunct her natal Neptune (those dreams again) and square her natal Sun (he's threatening the stability of the project she holds so dear).

(Click to enlarge)

It looks like it's going to be an interesting year in Europe. I also came across another left-wing radical party with a charismatic young leader today. This is the Spanish Podemos ('We Can') led by Pablo Iglesias. Formed at the beginning of 2014, the party is now the second largest in Spain. Iglesias was elected to the European Parliament in 2014. He has much in common with Alexis Tsipras and visited Greece to help with Syriza's election campaign.

(Click to enlarge)

The similarities between Iglesias' and the post-Franco national chart for Spain are not as striking as those between Tsipras' and Greece's, but note that the two Suns are once again within a few degrees of each other. I can't find a birth time for him, so this is a noon chart, but if he were born some time after 9:30pm Iglesias' Moon would be conjunct Spain's Mars. Also of note is that transiting Saturn will be contacting Iglesias' Mars and Spain's Neptune at the end of this year and the beginning of 2016. Spain is another country that's struggling with debt. Curiously, it has 3 Aquarius 43 rising – almost exactly opposite Germany's Ascendant and Tsipras' Sun. Perhaps now that Greece has led the way, Spain will follow by demanding an end to austerity. (Spain is due to hold a General Election towards the end of 2015). Interesting times indeed ...

Notes

(1) Bi-wheels have the countries on the inside as we know the times and therefore the Ascendants

(2) Information for all national charts was taken from The Book of World Horoscopes, full details in previous post

Some thoughts on the Greek General Election

Belatedly, I decided to take a look at the chart for Greece as the people prepare to vote in what could be a ground-shifting election tomorrow. I've used the chart drawn up for the swearing-in of Constantine Karamanlis as prime minister following the collapse of the military dictatorship in 1974.¹ One of the interesting things about this election is that the man who's widely tipped to become the next prime minister of Greece – Alexis Tsipras – was born only four days after the republic was formed. Therefore apart from the position of his Moon (of which we can't be sure as we don't have a birth time for him), he has almost the same horoscope as Greece itself. And there are very significant transits to these charts on election day.

Traditionally, voting takes place between sunrise and sunset in Greece² so I've erected a chart for election day based on sunrise in Athens, which is both the capital and Tsipras' place of birth.

(Click to enlarge)

One of the first things I noticed was that Uranus (13 Aries 04) on election day is almost exactly square the Ascendant in the chart for Greece (13 Cancer 08). Also, Mercury is retrograde in the election chart. It's being drawn back to the Sun, having turned retrograde just a few days ago. In terms of Mercury's synodic cycle (a subject dear to my heart at the moment), the cycle is drawing to a close so Mercury is being pulled toward the future with its eye firmly fixed on the past. Greece has been in economic melt-down for years and I freely admit to being biased because I love the Greeks, but I feel they've been very cruelly treated by the EU. Many Greeks have suffered terribly during this period – you can 'listen again' to some of the interviews John Humphrys made in Greece this week for the BBC Today programme³. Many Greeks are saying that all the other politicians have failed them so this time they're going to give Syriza (the radical left coalition that Tsipras heads) a chance. They're looking for change, and this shows in the transiting Uranus, which is also squaring the Greek Saturn (just risen in the national chart) and Mercury.

There are, in fact, many significant transits to the Greek Ascendant-Saturn-Mercury. Transiting Pluto is also exactly opposite this trio and the nodes are square. Interestingly, the North Node is in Libra, a sign that's concerned with social justice but whose shadow side is totalitarianism. The South Node in Aries suggests the root of Greece's problem was selfishness and rampant individualism during the Good Times – or the 'snout in the trough' sort of behaviour that came to light here in the UK during the MPs' expenses scandal. The shadow side of this – a bright shadow – is that people were forced to find other ways to survive once the money ran out. Some didn't make it, but in other cases it built strong networks and communities based more on what people are than on what they have.

Coming back to the retrograde Mercury in the election chart, this can also be seen as either a people who have turned in on themselves and their problems or who are turning against the tide. They've had enough of the 'business as usual' approach of mainstream politicians and they're willing to give Syriza a chance. Of course, we can't be certain that Syriza will win and we certainly can't be sure that Syriza will be any better for them than what has gone before. They could be lured onto the rocks by a siren's song, or they could find that their dreams of a better life come true. Note that transiting Neptune is square the natal Neptune of Greece and Tsipras – though transiting Saturn is approaching their Neptune. When Saturn reaches that point could be when they get a reality check.

(Click to enlarge)

Those seem to be the most important things to me, but I'd just like to mention Alexis Tsipras' chart in relation to the opening and closing of polls in Athens. The Sun on election day is exactly opposite his natal Sun, and at dawn his Sun has just sunk below the horizon of the election chart. When the polls close ten hours later, his Sun has just risen above the Ascendant in the close of poll chart. That, together with the fact that the Moon is riding high at the top of the election chart suggests to me that he'll be the people's choice. Moon is conjunct Uranus and South Node and all three are in the ninth house, a sign that people want change and they have faith in him to deliver it.

(Click to enlarge)

References

(1) Campion, Nicholas The Book of World Horoscopes Wessex Astrologer, Bournemouth (2004) pp 146-7

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_Greece accessed 24/01/15

(3) http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04ykbjh accessed 24/01/15

The Definition of the Midheaven

The midheaven, or MC (from Medium Coeli), is one of the angles of the horoscope. The other principal angle is the ascendant. The identification of the angles seems unproblematic, and astrologers are often able to cite some sort of definition for each one. However, a technically correct definition for the ascendant or midheaven can be elusive.

For example astrologers will often say that the midheaven is the highest point in the chart. This is a disarmingly simple statement, but once considered in detail, turns out be a crude and problematic definition of the MC. Firstly, which point in the chart is being identified. To say the midheaven is the highest point in the chart doesn't really clarify the issue of what, exactly, this point is in the horoscope. Secondly, and most problematically, 'highest' in relation to what? Terms like 'highest' and 'higher' are relative and need to be defined in terms of some sort of absolute position.

Robert Hand provides two useful and more precise definitions in his essay on the ascendant, midheaven and vertex in extreme latitudes (for reference see below). Hand's first definition is that the midheaven may be the point of intersection of the meridian and ecliptic in the south. His second definition is that the midheaven may be the point of intersection of the ecliptic and meridian above the horizon. (p. 132)

These definitions do advance our understanding because we now know that the midheaven or MC is the point where the ecliptic meets the meridian. The meridian is the great circle through the running north and south points of the observer's horizon, and through the zenith, the point exactly overhead on the celestial sphere, and the nadir, the point on the celestial sphere opposite the zenith. 

The following diagram illustrates the points made in the previous paragraph. Note that the midheaven is shown crossing the ecliptic above the horizon and due south. This is a fair representation of the midheaven for a northern hemisphere observer at mid-latitudes. The diagram is for illustrative purposes and the situation will vary for observers at other latitudes.

Figure 1: The Celestial Sphere (Horizontal Frame of Reference)

But how do we decide between the definitions of the midheaven that Hand has offered? By direction? Or by altitude above the horizon? This is critical because in polar regions and at the equator both definitions become ambiguous for different reasons.

Let's consider the definition by direction. Firstly, to be accurate, the definition by direction must be made relative to the hemisphere of the observer. For those in the southern hemisphere, the midheaven is generally to the north. So for more precision, the definition of the midheaven must be extended to refer to the hemisphere of the observer. However, a problem immediately arises for observers in the tropics (those living close to the equator). For an observer who lives just north of the equator, the midheaven will be to their north when signs of northern declination (those north of the equator) are culminating.

So our definition by direction and hemisphere has already broken down. To correct this problem, we have had to qualify the directional definition further, by reference to the latitude of the observer. What seemed to be a straightforward description of the midheaven has now become complex and unwieldy.

What about the definition with relation to the horizon. In this definition the midheaven is always above the horizon, irrespective of its direction. This, on the face of it, seems quite reasonable. After all, it is true for anybody living in the tropics and temperate regions. However, when we get to the polar regions (beyond on the arctic or antarctic circles), we find that the midheaven so defined may again be to the north for northern observers. Others also claim that the MC is always to the south in polar regions even when it is below the horizon.

I think there are good reasons why we should be critical of both definitions of the midheaven - by direction (south/north) and by position relative to the horizon (above/below). Neither seems to have offered an unambiguous definition of the concept we are examining.

The definition of above and below the horizon refers to altitude above the horizontal plane. So, in the case of Hand's second definition of the midheaven, the point of intersection of the ecliptic and meridian will have an altitude above the horizon. But let's consider the phenomenon of the midnight sun. In northern polar regions, the sun in summer (at its most northerly declination) will spend 24 hours above the horizon - it neither rises nor sets in the sense of being above or below the horizon.

Now when the northern winter solstice (00 Capricorn 00 in the tropical zodiac), the point on the ecliptic with the most southerly declination, is due south of the observer in polar regions it will be below the horizon. At this time, the Sun at the northern summer solstice will be due north of a northern polar observer but above the horizon.

If we accept the definition of the midheaven as being the point of intersection between the ecliptic and the meridian above the horizon, then the Sun at 00 Cancer 00, the northern summer solstice (in the tropical zodiac), will be on the MC. However, consider the situation twelve hours later: the Sun at the summer solstice will be on the meridian again, this time in the south, but at a point much higher in the sky with relation to the horizon. The winter solstice will still be below the horizon, but also on the meridian due north.

What should we make of this? The summer solstice Sun seems to be on the MC again. It is crossing the meridian and clearly above the horizon. The other point of the ecliptic crossing the meridian, the northern winter solstice, is still below the horizon in the north. So the sun seems to have been on the MC twice in one day if we use the above/below definition of the midheaven in polar regions.

It's my view that it is the second instance of the Sun crossing the meridian that we want to call Sun-MC. This is because it is both on the meridian and at its highest point in the sky in a single diurnal cycle. In short the Sun is at its closest approach to the zenith, the point immediately above the observer. Of course, in polar regions it won't actually be immediately above the observer, but it has attained its minimum zenith distance. It is this observation that finally provides us with an unambiguous definition of the midheaven or MC.

The midheaven or MC is the degree of the ecliptic which, at the time and place of casting the horoscope, has its minimum zenith distance (MZD) measured on the meridian; that is, it is the point at which that particular degree makes its closest approach to the zenith in any single diurnal (24 hour) cycle. This definition does not mess up in the tropics, where directional definitions become unclear, and it means that being above or below the horizon is not relevant, which has been shown to be a problem in polar regions.

The definition of zenith distance is taken from Mitton's Dictionary of Astronomy. Zenith distance is "the angular distance from the zenith to a point on the celestial sphere, measured along a great circle." (p. 416) In our case the great circle of interest is the meridian because in any one diurnal cycle, the minimum zenith distance for any particular point on the ecliptic will occur along this circle.

What about the tropical northern winter solstice? This point never comes above the horizon in northern polar regions. It will still be on the MC according to this definition because when it is due south of a northern observer the particular degree associated with the northern winter solstice – 00 Capricorn 00 in the tropical zodiac - will have reached its minimum zenith distance (MZD) in that diurnal cycle. That is, at that particular time and place, it will be at its closest approach to the zenith despite being below the horizon.

This may seem quite counter-intuitive at first. After all the Sun will still be higher in relation to the horizon in the north than the winter solstice degree below the horizon in the south. But the critical point is that the Sun at this time is not at the closest point to the zenith that it can be during the course of the day. This point will come when it attains its MZD on the meridian twelve hours later.

And consider the midwinter Sun at these latitudes - say, just above the arctic circle. It will rise to a point just below the southern horizon at  noon when it attains its MZD. Although the Sun in midwinter will be below the horizon, a glimmer of noon-day light will come over the horizon. Is this not what we would want for a Sun-MC conjunction, even one below the horizon. It's as light as it is going to get for a midwinter Sun on or just above the arctic circle. Twelve hours later, with the Sun on the IC defined by MZD, it will be midnight and deep dark. 

The following diagram illustrates these points. The summer solstice Sun (identified by CN for Cancer) is shown just above the northern horizon (the midnight sun). In the course of 12 hours it will move along the dashed orange line to the point on the meridian due south of the observer. It is moved there by the rotation of the earth on its pole (marked NCP-SCP). The purple line from the zenith to the highpoint of the Sun shows the MZD (minimum zenith distance) at noon - the Sun-MC. Note that the Sun in the course of those 12 hours has moved to a position much higher in the sky than the midnight Sun - the Sun-IC.

The winter solstice Sun (identified by CP for Capricorn) is shown deep below the northern horizon at midnight. In the course of 12 hours it will move along its dashed orange line to the point on the meridian due south of the observer, just below the horizon. However, note that it has still moved towards the zenith, the point at the top of the sphere. The MC defined by MZD is marked. The difference in zenith distances at both points is shown by the light blue line.

  Figure 2: Illustrating the Concept of Minimum Zenith Distance Marking the Midheaven

At any particular time in the day there may be points on the ecliptic that have less zenith distance (i.e. are closer to the zenith) than the point on the MC. An example is the nonagesimal point, the degree on the ecliptic with the maximum altitude above the horizon at a particular time and place. In general the nonagesimal degree won't be the MC at the time for which the horoscope is cast because it will have had its minimum zenith distance (it's closest approach to the zenith) at some other time during the diurnal cycle.

For example, a nonagesimal degree west of the meridian will have attained its MZD (i.e. been on the midheaven) at some time earlier in the day. A nonagesimal degree east of the meridian it will attain its MZD some time later in the day when it will be the degree of the ecliptic on the meridian.

In fact, the nonagesimal can be precisely defined as the degree on the ecliptic with the minimum zenith distance measured on any great circle running through the zenith and nadir at a particular time and place. 

It is worth noting that exactly at the poles all definitions of the MC become problematic, partly because all directions from the north pole lead south (towards the southern pole) and vice versa in the southern hemisphere. This makes the definition of the meridian itself difficult. However, this is not really a serious issue because as soon as one moves away from the pole, the definition of the meridian becomes possible once again.

So: the MC cannot be defined by direction (fails at the tropics) nor by its being above the horizon (problematic in the polar circles - the 'double midheaven' issue). The definition is unambiguously made using the concept of minimum zenith distance. The midheaven or MC is the point of intersection between the ecliptic and the meridian where that particular degree attains its minimum zenith distance during its diurnal cycle, irrespective of its direction in relation to an observer or its height in relation to the horizon.

Perhaps we should rename the MC the MMZD - minimum meridional zenith distance!

Postscript

Since posting this blog the author has discovered an article in the Astrological Association Journal by Norman Blunsdon that covers this issue. Members of the Astrological Association may wish to explore this piece online (as a benefit of their membership) or at the AA Library. 

The reference is:

N Blunsdon (1967) Low Thoughts on High Latitudes. Astrological Association Journal: Vol. 8, No. 3, p. 30.

It is reprinted in the AA's compendium of early classic articles from the Journal - An Astrological Anthology: Vol. 1 (1959-1970). Selected and arranged by Zach Matthews.

In this piece, Blunsdon points out that the midheaven is the same at all latitudes, and changing the midheaven to conform to a definition (always above the horizon) transgresses this principle. 

Blunsdon writes: "Let us first consider the MC and its derivation. As this is formed by the Meridian for the subject's birthtime, it is both personal and constant. We use the Local Sidereal Time and usually find the corresponding MC in our house tables: this is the same for all latitudes."

References:

Robert Hand (1982) Essays on Astrology: The Ascendant, Midheaven and Vertex in Extreme Latitudes. Whitford Press.

Jaqueline Mitton (1993) The Penguin Dictionary of Astronomy. Penguin Books.

SOME THOUGHTS ON THE FORTHCOMING UK GENERAL ELECTION (7 MAY 2015) 

by Richard Burch. 

Though the effects of the current 3-year long Uranus-Pluto square may be starting to wane, the last of seven occurrences of this aspect is on 17 Mar 2015, just seven weeks before the election is due. So it will colour the background, particularly since it falls at 15°17', exactly opposite and square David Cameron's Sun, presenting extra challenges for him and his party, but maybe keeping him in power. On 1 Nov 2013 (on the exact 20th anniversary of the European Union coming into force) the fourth and central Uranus-Pluto aspect fell at 9°25', square and conjunct the UK 1066 and 1801 Suns, suggesting long-term, deep-seated change. This may take several years of transition and upheaval. Nevertheless the immediate result following election day should be discernible from the two charts for the start and close of the polls.


Start of polls

The expectations and probable trends in the run-up to the election are indicated in this chart:

Conservatives/Cameron: As the existing main governing party they are shown by the first house. Mercury is strong, rising here in its own sign, though some way into the 12th house, and separating nicely from an opposition to Saturn. It is the strongest planet in the chart. In addition it is applying to trine the north node. Notably, George Osborne (perhaps the most crucial figure in any Tory victory based on perceived economic strength) is Sun Gemini. Venus in the first house also has a role, reflecting the presence of Sun Librans Cameron and Theresa May. But Venus, unaspected, weak in Gemini and at the end of the sign on a critical degree, gives some indication that Cameron's reign as leader may be coming to an end, and that May might not be able to succeed him. The Moon's final opposition to Venus further suggests rejection by the electorate.

There is undoubtedly an expectation among the Conservatives that they ought to win enough seats to form the largest party. However, Mercury makes no applying aspect to the Sun, lord of the 5th (the house of victory in a competition) nor Saturn, Lord of the 10th (house of government). There is nothing here to show success.


Labour/Miliband: As the official opposition they are shown by the 7th house and Jupiter. The setting Moon (the electorate) in their house shows that the voters are with the party, if not the leader, to some extent. But the Moon may also signify the SNP taking ground from under Labour's feet. (The next SNP leader, Nicola Sturgeon, is Sun Cancer.) Jupiter is on the IC (outcome) in royal Leo, which becomes the 10th house (of government) for Labour when the chart is turned 180º to read directly. It strongly suggests a Labour win, or an expectation of one at the start of the day. Perhaps it is false optimism, though. As with the Tories, their significator (Jupiter) makes no good aspect to the Sun or Saturn (whether ruling the natural 5th and 10th, or the turned 11th and 4th). Again, there is no clear victory shown here.


LibDems/Clegg: In the past, as an opposition party, Jupiter (or sometimes Uranus, even Neptune) appeared to work as their significator. Jupiter is taken this time by Miliband, and Uranus now seems highly unlikely. As part of the previously-existing government they could be shown by Venus in the first house, in which case all the remarks about the Conservative leadership based on the planet's weak position seem applicable to them too. If, however, by competing in this election independently they are allocated another planet, then their fate could alter. If allowed Jupiter, being now a part of the opposition (though that's a moot assumption) they could still be the kingmaker and partner, as Jupiter sits on the IC (final outcome) in Leo. No doubt this is what Clegg and others secretly hope or believe. If allocated Neptune, its square to Mercury (Cameron) makes a resolution tough but not impossible. However, if given the Sun (and Clegg's natal Sun at 16 CAP is exactly trine), it does not suggest another Lib-Con coalition because there's no aspect to Mercury. In fact the Sun is void-of-course in the 12th, signifying that nothing will come of it, the LibDem's record in office being their self-undoing.


UKIP/Farage: They seem to be shown by Saturn, as the most reactionary party, that nevertheless points out some unpalatable realities. Their appeal is strongest amongst older voters. Saturn in Sagittarius points to their colour being purple. Retrograde and cadent in the 6th house (concerning employment issues, the NHS and the armed forces), and easing away from an earlier opposition to Mercury (the Conservatives), they may now be experiencing a drop in support. The Moon's last conjunction was with Saturn, and her separation suggests the electorate's focus on Europe and immigration has moved on somewhat, though not yet totally.



The Greens: They seem to be shown by Venus, (and maybe Uranus too) as the party advocating a better balance within and between societies and between exploiting and preserving the Earth's resources, but also as simply the most feminist, with two female leaders. The Moon's only applying aspect (very late on) is an opposition to Venus. But Venus is weak. So although there might be an opportunity in this election to set out their stall more prominently for the voters (who in the end may be more prepared to listen), it seems the latter still won't vote for the Greens in any number.


Others: It now seems the SNP could take twenty or more seats from Labour (who currently have 41 out of the total of 59 Westminster seats). This would obviously do considerable damage to Labour's chancing of forming a government. Nationalism, with its patriotic, emotional content, seems likely to be represented by the Moon, angular here in the house of Opposition and with an opposition aspect to Venus (the Greens). If a rainbow coalition (led by Labour) were to be contemplated, it suggests that these two parties would have very different demands to be met. But the Moon in any case is well past its helpful trine to Jupiter (Miliband), so such arrangement seems fairly unlikely.


Summary
At this point, the most likely outcome seems to be an inconclusive result. It looks fairly certain that no party will form a majority. If a coalition does develop it will likely be between Labour and the LibDems, though just possibly involving the Greens and nationalist parties too.



Close of polls

The result is shown by this chart in conjunction with the first. The Moon (the electorate) has changed sign (allegiance). A decision of sorts has been made and a corner turned.

Conservatives/Cameron: They are now shown by Jupiter as first house ruler. He is situated deep in the 8th house (tax-and-spend issues, bank regulation, death duties – or even a spying or sex scandal!). Most strikingly, Saturn has arrived on the ascendant, suggesting that a limitation and capping of the Tory vote has occurred, and is due to UKIP parking its tanks on their lawn. Saturn in part signifies the Conservatives as well as UKIP, but the symbolism of the rising planet left behind by the Moon is stark for both parties. However, as Saturn now disposes Luna, it appears UKIP has had a more lasting influence on (and more notable support from) the voters than was predicted. Jupiter's applying trine to Uranus may bring an unexpected piece of good fortune for the Tories, but again their significator, Jupiter, neither receives an aspect from the Moon nor makes any aspect to the ruler of the 5th (Mars) or the 10th (Venus); and neither does Saturn.



Labour/Miliband: They are now shown by Mercury as 7th house ruler. He is strong, dignified and angular but, like the Tories, Labour has a significator that makes no aspect to either Mars or Venus (ruling both natural 5th and 10th, and turned 11th and 4th). Nor does it receive an aspect from the Moon. There's nothing here to show a convincing win for Labour, but they may just scrape home.


LibDems/Clegg: If now allocated the Sun as significator, they are in a new situation. The moon is again in play and will aspect the Sun in due course. If allocated Uranus, they may in time benefit from the trine (an offer) from Jupiter (Cameron). If they're not given Sol or Uranus, it's hard to see anything at all resulting from the election, because two other key planets, Venus and Jupiter, are still void-of-course (Mercury turns retrograde before it can sextile Jupiter). And Mars is largely spent.


The Moon makes first a sextile to Neptune, then a conjunction with Pluto, a trine to the Sun, a square to Uranus and finally a trine to Mars. For the electorate (and indeed the Queen and her advisors), they are presented with, or go through, a series of options. Neptune signifies dissolution and confusion at the outset (just possibly it stands here for Clegg and the LibDems). It could also could stand as a secondary significator for Labour (whose 1900 foundation chart has the Sun adjacent at 8 PIS) while Pluto indicates complications and power struggles. So Labour might get public support to try and form a coalition with the LibDems, but leadership complications get in the way. Then Labour could try to form a government alone - a highly challenging task – and may fail. Next, Pluto in Capricorn could stand as a secondary significator for the Tories (their 1867 foundation chart has the Sun at 19 SCO), who would be disposed by – i.e. under the thumb of – UKIP (Saturn) in any coalition talks with them. But with the recent exit of Saturn from Scorpio, its former mutual reception with Pluto no longer holds sway. So this potential Con-UKIP coalition is very unlikely to happen, given all other factors. But in desperation, with Pluto yet again squaring his natal Sun, it is just possible Cameron will capitulate to try and save his – and the Tories' – skin.


The Moon moves on to further aspects. Uranus in Aries stands for a radical new departure. But it is hard to see what this is, other than a second election. The trine to Mars, finally, prompts a question: could Mars here be seen as a secondary significator for the LibDems? In Taurus he is in detriment, weakly opposed to Saturn (UKIP) but otherwise unaspected (friendless) and depleted late in the sign (losing seats). Nevertheless, a LibDem role in any government arising – even temporarily perhaps – cannot be ruled out.


UKIP/Farage: see above under Conservatives and LibDems


The Greens: Just possibly involved in a rainbow coalition with Labour (if they have any MPs!).


Others: If symbolised by the Moon, the SNP are now in a new position (new sign) to consolidate gains made following the 2014 Scottish referendum. After a sextile to Neptune, thus helping to re-energise their dream of independence, the Moon comes, however, to a conjunction with Pluto before trining the Sun. This seems to imply complications arising in their pursuit of power or influence – but what exactly remains unclear.


Summary
At the close of play, in my judgement, the most likely outcome (though by a narrow margin) seems to be a minority Labour government. The second, somewhat less likely, outcome is a coalition of Labour and the surviving LibDems, possibly including any or all of these: the SNP, the DUP, Plaid Cymru, the Greens. Though firmly based on astrology, this prediction accords with that of most political commentators at present.


Therefore it remains probable there will be a second election a few months down the line (as happened with Labour in 1974).

Written 15 October 2014

Charles Carter's Forgotten House System - Poli Equatorial Houses

Charles Carter was one of the great English astrologers of the twentieth century. With Alan Leo, John Addey and Charles Harvey, Carter transformed astrology in England. He introduced technical and philosophical innovations and participated in a number of key institutional developments.

Charles Carter was born on 31 January 1887 at 10:55PM in Parkstone, Dorset. He had an Aquarian Sun in the 4^th house, and Uranus rising in Leo just into the 12^th. At his birth, Saturn had just culminated in Cancer. With this combination of rising Uranus and an elevated Saturn, Carter was well-figured to lead the astrological world. He died in October 1968. 1

His astrological service included a number of key appointments. In 1922 Carter followed Leo as the President of the Astrological Lodge of London and revived the institution. In 1948 he became the first Principal of the Faculty of Astrological Studies. In 1958 he became a founding Patron of the Astrological Association of Great Britain. Carter's legacy is remembered at the annual Astrological Association conference. A leading astrologer is invited to deliver the Carter Memorial Lecture as the central plenary session of the event. This invitation is one of the highest accolades an astrologer can receive.

Carter wrote a number of significant books including The Principles of Astrology (1925), Zodiac and the Soul (1928) and Essays on the Foundations of Astrology (1947). He reflected on key philosophical issues in The Seven Great Problems of Astrology (1927). He advocated the use of some innovative directional methods in his slim volume Symbolic Directions in Modern Astrology (1929).

Charles Carter introduced a technical innovation that is almost forgotten today - his poli equatorial house system. He described his system of domification in Essays on the Foundations of Astrology. The method is found in Chapter 8, Problems of the Houses. In the chapter, Carter reviews many of the principle systems of domification including the Regiomontean, the Campanean, the Equal and the Placidean. He then introduces his own method so nonchalantly that the reader may miss the significance of the text.

Carter writes that in his poli equatorial method “...the houses are demarcated by circles passing through the celestial poles and dividing the equator into twelve equal arcs, the cusp of the 1^st house passing through the ascendant. This system, therefore, agrees with the natural rotation of the heavens and also produces, as the Ptolemaic (equal) does not, distinctive cusps for each house....” 2

Calculation of the cusps is a relatively simple affair. The ascendant degree is converted to right ascension in degrees. Thirty degrees (or two hours) of right ascension is then added for each subsequent cusp. The right ascension so found is, for each cusp, then converted back to celestial longitude and expressed in zodiacal degrees. The tenth house cusp will not generally coincide with the MC degree. The second cusp is opposite the eighth cusp, the third opposite the ninth and so on.

Figure 1: Charles Carter's Poli Equatorial House System - Diagram

Carter notes that the Regiomontanean system of domification also uses equal division of the equator as its foundation. In fact, Carter's poli equatorial system is one of a family of house systems derived from equal division of the celestial equator. The others are the Morinean and the Meridian (or Axial Rotation) house systems.

The following table sets out the basic elements of the four equatorially-based systems of domification.

System	Pole	Notes
Poli equatorial	Equatorial (Celestial)	The 1st house cusp will coincide with ascendant but the 10th house cusp will not generally coincide with the meridian
Regiomontanus	Horizontal	The 10th and 1st house cusps coincide with the meridian and the ascendant respectively
Morinus	Ecliptic	Neither the 10th house cusp nor the 1st house cusp will coincide with the meridian or the ascendant
Meridian (or Axial Rotation)	Equatorial (Celestial)	The 10th house cusp will coincide with the meridian, but the first house cusp is the equatorial ascendant

Table 1: Comparison of Equatorially-Based House Systems

Holden describes Regiomontanus, Morinus and Meridian as house systems as space-based methods of domification. Although the Earth's rotation determines the length of our day (a time factor), Holden's view is that the equal division of the equator in each system is primarily a division of the celestial sphere as a spatial unit. 3

 

Figure 2: The Equatorial Frame of Reference

In Carter's poli equatorial house system, we find a method of domification that draws on ideas from Platonic cosmogony and cosmology, being derived from equal divisions of the circle of the Same (celestial equator) projected onto the circle of the Different (ecliptic). The ascendant is used as the cusp of the first house. In developing a method of house division that uses the circles of the Same and Different, Carter gives us a system of domification that is integrated with Platonic philosophy. This philosophy is so often the unspoken foundation of much astrological lore.

A good example of the poli equatorial house system in action is the Exeter Astrology Group's own natal chart. (See below) In this chart the important Venus-Uranus opposition is moved to within a few minutes of arc of the 4th-10th axis. This symbol describes the purpose of the group of the group very clearly - a public gathering of friends (Venus-10th cusp) built around the foundations of a shared interest in astrology (Uranus-4th cusp). 

The solar identity of the group is in the collectively focused 11th house, and Mercury, being the classical symbol for astrology is close to the cusp of the 12th, the spiritual house. Jupiter, often in the 2nd house using mainstream systems, moves to the cusp of the 3rd house, a symbol for a group dedicated to learning and sharing information of a spiritual and philosophical nature. The poli equatorial system is clearly effective in this delineation.

Figure 3: Exeter Astrology Group (using Poli Equatorial Houses)

The cusps are listed below:

Cusp 1: 6 SC 19

Cusp 2: 5 SG 53

Cusp 3: 3 CP 40

Cusp 4: 1 AQ 44

Cusp 5: 2 PI 0

Cusp 6: 4 AR 21

Cusp 7: 6 TA 19

Cusp 8: 5 GE 53

Cusp 9: 3 CN 40

Cusp 10: 1 LE 44

Cusp 11: 2 VI 0

Cusp 12: 4 LI 21

(Note to programmers - if you would like a simple BASIC program to calculate poli equatorial house cusps, please contact the author via the EAG website. This program is provided on an open source basis to promote the inclusion of poli equatorial houses in commercial and non-commercial astrological software. You may adapt it to your own needs/programming language.)

It is disappointing that Carter's method of domification is so little used. It is not mentioned in key texts that describe the principles of house systems. It is not offered in any of the main programmes available in the astrological software market. Furthermore, there is very little information about the system available on the internet. I have never seen a published chart delineated according to the poli equatorial system apart from Carter's own examples. 4

In Carter's day, his method had one undeniable advantage – it needed a single table of houses. This meant that calculation of houses cusps was simplified. Once the ascendant had been calculated, the other cusps could be read directly from a page of data. This is because poli-equatorial cusps are not latitude-dependent (once the ascendant has been identified). Carter's system has other benefits. It creates houses that are more or less equal, in terms of the twelve divisions of the ecliptic that they demarcate. This minimises the issue of intercepted signs.

The system will occasionally fall down in charts where the calculation of the ascendant is problematic. This only occurs in extreme polar latitudes. However, Rob Hand notes that this difficulty is more theoretical than practical. The identification of an ascendant in these latitudes is only impossible when the horizon and ecliptic coincide. According to Hand “...this occurs for only an instant and only on the infinitesimal band of the Arctic and Antarctic circles, so it is not a serious drawback in practice.” 5

Carter's system has a clear advantage over quadrant based methods of domification in polar latitudes because it does not rely on the need for an identified midheaven and ascendant. This issue can be a difficulty because the ascendant and meridian can coincide at times. More commonly, the midheaven and ascendant can fall close together on the ecliptic in high northern latitudes. This leads to gross discrepancies in the size of quadrant houses when measured on the ecliptic.

In Essays on the Foundations of Astrology, Carter provides a number of interesting case examples to illustrate his poli equatorial system. He looks at charts for Tennyson, the great Victorian poet, King Edward VII, and Emily Popejoy.

In the King's chart, Carter points out that with the poli equatorial system, “The presence of the Moon, in close square to Saturn, on cusp 10 seems peculiarly appropriate to the native's strict upbringing and suppression by his royal Mother, who refused for many years to allow him to take part in public affairs. Venus in the 10^th agrees with his popularity and that of his consort.” 6 In other systems, the moon would fall variously in the eighth or ninth houses; in most systems Venus would fall solidly in the cadent ninth.

Carter notes Tennyson's tight Mars-Uranus conjunction falls in the sixth house in many house systems. He concludes that this symbolism “...seems inappropriate to the native's robust health....” 7 Carter suggests this pair “...would be much better placed in the 5^th, indicating the emotional tragedy which led to In Memoriam and the death of the poet's son of fever.” 8 Using the poli equatorial method, Uranus and Mars fall in the fifth house, suggesting the unexpected death of a child. He also notes that in the poli equatorial system, Jupiter moves from the cusp of the twelfth house onto the cusp of the eleventh house which “...seems to agree much better with the poet's phenomenal success....He won fame, rank and money.” 9

Carter's method of domification also has some practical benefits, including house cusps that fall more or less equally on the ecliptic and have unique degrees. The astrologer has to accept that the midheaven is unlikely to form the cusp of the tenth, but, as Carter has demonstrated, this may, in practice, yield important interpretative insights.

We should do Carter the honour of looking at his own nativity using the poli equatorial method he devised. In many systems, including all quadrant based methods of house division, his highly elevated Saturn falls in the cadent ninth house, being just beyond the culminating degree in the diurnal circle.

Despite Saturn's lack of traditional dignity, this placement is an adequate symbol for his fine philosophical mind. His astrological vision moved subtly between the realms of the Platonic world of Ideas and the mundane world which we inhabit. However, this image does not carry the authority of a man who served the astrological community at the highest levels for many years.

In the equal house system, we note that his Saturn is on the nonagesimal degree. This degree, falling exactly square to the ascendant, marks the 10^th house cusp in the simple equal house method of domification. 10 The nonagesimal degree is the highest point of the ecliptic above the horizon; any planet placed in this degree is given prominence within the horoscope.

However, when we use his own poli equatorial method of domification, Carter's Saturn falls a few degrees inside the tenth, the cusp being at 14 Cancer. This is testament to Carter's own observation that his poli equatorial method, having many of the advantages of the straightforward modus equalis or Ptolemaic system, has the further benefit of yielding cusps that carry a unique mundane signature. 

 

Figure 3: Charles Carter's Horoscope (using Poli Equatorial Houses)

This symbol – Saturn in the tenth house - clearly identifies Charles Carter's authority and acumen. He worked to establish and maintain the institutions that still embody the mainstream traditions in English and British astrology. He took a large share of responsibility for the good governance of some of the key political and educational institutions that represent our cosmic art. There can be no higher recommendation for Carter's poli equatorial house system than this signature from his own nativity.

Notes and References

1.      Further details of Carter's life and astrological legacy can be found at www.charlescarter.co.uk, a memorial site established and maintained by the Wessex Astrology Group. Charles Carter's birth details are published on this site.

2.      Charles Carter (1947, 2^nd ed. 1978) Essays on the Foundations of Astrology. Theosophical Publishing House, London. p. 158-159.

3.       For detail discussions of these systems see R W Holden (1977) The Elements of House Division. Urania Trust/Faculty of Astrological Studies, London.

4.       A pdf copy of Carter's original Poli-equatorial Table of Houses can be downloaded from http://www.charlescarter.co.uk/marriage-house-system.html#housesystem for readers who may wish to try the system. Carter produced this table in January 1946. In a charming aside, at the foot of p. 159 of Essays on the Foundations of Astrology, Carter invites readers to contact him for “A set of tables may be obtained from the author, price 6d, post paid, for those who wish to experiment.” The cloud-based software, astroapp (www.astroapp.com), has the poli-equatorial method programmed as one of their range of house systems.

5.      Rob Hand (1982) Essays on Astrology. p. 136. Hand says that what is critical when working with charts at extreme latitudes is to have a clear definition of what is to count as the ascendant. See Hand (1982) p. 132 for more details on definitions of the ascendant.

6.      Carter (1947, 2^nd ed. 1978) p. 160.

7.      Carter (1947, 2^nd ed. 1978) p. 162.

8.      Carter (1947, 2^nd ed. 1978) p. 162.

9.      Carter (1947, 2^nd ed. 1978) p. 162.

10.    Jeff Mayo (1995) Midheaven, Zenith and Nonagesimal. In Z Matthews (ed.) An Astrological Anthology: Essays and Excerpts from the Journal of the Astrological Association (Vol. 1 – 1959-1970). The Astrological Association, London. p. 397-399. Originally published in the AA Journal, Vol. 6, No. 3, p. 24.