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Sepharial The Manual of Astrology - Book IV Hindu Astrology
Sepharial The Manual of Astrology - Book IV Hindu Astrology
By Sepharial
BOOK IV
HINDU ASTROLOGY
AFTER PARSHARA
THE application of Hindu Astrology to European and Western
conditions of life has ever been a subject of great interest, and as
the result of considerable research and experience in the matter,
we venture to bring the subject to the test in the following pages.
The first point that presents itself to the student of Jyotisha (the
name for Hindu Astrology), is one that has already been canvassed
to some considerable extent, viz., the relation of the Hindu Zodiac
to our own. This question comes up in relation to the Dignities
of the Planets. Ever since the days Ptolemy, the writer of the
Tetrabiblos, the dignities of the planets have been received by
Western astrologers exactly as given by him in that famous work.
But there is every reason to believe that Ptolemy received his initial
instruction in the celestial science from one of the Alexandrian
teachers, and that primarily the teaching was derived from India.
At all events, it is well known that the science had attained considerable excellence in that country many centuries prior to the
time of Ptolemy. Now, in Ptolemys days the Natural Zodiac,
consisting of the constellations Aries, etc., and the Intellectual
Zodiac, commencing from the shifting Vernal Equinox, were so
nearly identical as to justify his statement of the Dignities,
whether he referred them to one or the other of these aforesaid
zodiacs. It is certain, however, that Hindus referred them to the
Natural Zodiac, and Varaha Mihira only perpetuates and carries on
the teachings of his far more ancient predecessors, in marking the
distinction between the two zodiacs, and referring all his astrological
178
observations to that which we have called the Natural. By
reference to various Sanskrit and vernacular works, we have
decided, in common with many competent Pandits that the two
zodiacs exactly coincided in the year of the Kali Yuga, 3600. And
this agrees with the observation of Mihira in his Samhit, where,
commenting on the phenomenon of the Precession of the Equinoxes,
he states that in his day the Summer Solstice coincided with the first
degree of Ktakam (i.e., Cancer of the Hindu Zodiac), and the
Winter Solstice with the first degree of Makaram: whereas at one
time, he observes, quoting from his predecessors (Parshara and
others), the Summer Solstice coincided with the middle of Aslesha
(Leo of the Hindu Zodiac). Hence we know that those from whom
he quotes must have made their observation about 1,080 years
previous to the time of Mihira, which extended from A.D. 416 to 572.
Let us bring this into line with our own researches, which supply
the date, K.Y. 3600. The Kali Yuga began in February, B.C. 3102.
Therefore, to obtain the date of the coinciding of the zodiacs, we
say, 3600 3102 = A.D. 498, which falls well within the limits of the
period ascribed to Mihira, and thus supports his independent
statement and observation.
This point being settled to our satisfaction, and it being understood
that Mihira and all his ancestors, Nrada, Garga, Parshara, etc.,
refer to the Natural Zodiac when speaking of the planets places,
dignities, etc., let us see to what extent we are justified in continuing
to refer those statements to our own Zodiac. The present year,
1898 less 498 = 1,400, the time elapsed since the coinciding of the
two zodiacs. The Precession of the Equinoxes is taken in India
at 50 per year, and 1,400 x 50 = 70,000 = 19 26 40. This
increment is referred to in the Hindu books as the Ayanmsha, or
interval between the beginning of their Zodiac and the Equinox.
Consequently, the Sun does not reach the first degree of the Hindu
Zodiac until about the twentieth day after the Vernal Equinox, when
the solar month of Mesham commences. According to the European
Zodiac, however, the Sun will then have reached the twentieth
degree of Aries, and will continue to be in that sign for ten days
more. Hence, it follows that (1) if the exaltation of the planets
were known to the Hindus before the days of Ptolemy, and (2) if
they referred those exaltations to the Natural Zodiac, then we, who
have taken our cue from Ptolemy, do wrong to maintain the dignities
of the planets as given by him, except when, in modern times, the
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planets fall in the last ten degrees of their respective exaltation signs
in our Zodiac.
Ptolemy seems to the have taken his astrological knowledge from the
East, and applied it to the zodiac instituted by Hipparchus in
the second century B.C. This was putting old wine into new bottles,
a perfectly safe but inadvisable proceeding. Who can say how
much the wine may not have suffered in consequence? At all
events, the two hypotheses presented above have been proved to the
satisfaction of all who have studied the Jyotisha Shstras, or astrological writings of the Hindus, and the conclusion is of some
consequence to modern astrologers.
The distinction between the Natural (Hindu) Zodiac and the
Intellectual (European) Zodiac being understood from the above
comments, we may at once proceed to indicate the practical use of
the Ayanmsha in the system of Hindu Astrology we are about to
place before European readers.
THE AYANAMSHA
Having the horoscope of birth in hand, made in the usual
European manner, the first thing is to convert it into terms of the
Hindu Zodiac. This is done as follows:1. From the year of birth subtract 498. This will give the Ayanmsha
period.
2. Multiply the Ayanmsha period by 50 1/3, and reduce to degrees, minutes,
and seconds of space.
3. Uniformly subtract this number of degrees, minutes, and seconds from
(a) The cusps of the houses in the European figure of birth;
(b) The planets places.
The figure thus obtained is the figure of birth according to the Hindu
system.
N.B. A serious error, which may not be at first apparent, will
occur in the event of the student subtracting the Ayanmsha from
the mid-heaven only, and then erecting the figure, with this new
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mid-heaven, from the Tables of Houses; for the oblique ascension
of the signs and planets will be falsified.
To avert this possibility, observe that if, in the original European
figure, a planet holds a certain place, distant, say, 5 from the cusp
of the second house, it ought to be in the same relative position in
the Hindu figure derived by the above rules. The only difference
will be that the planet may have changed its sign, which is the case
when the degrees held by it in any sign are less that the Ayanmsha.
THE ASTERISMS
The Asterisms, or Nahshatrams as they are called in Sanskrit
are twenty-seven in number. A twenty-eighth asterism, falling in
Capricorn, is sometimes used in Hindu Astrology for the purpose
of some branches of Prashna, or Horary Astrology; but with
this we are not concerned. Its name is Abhijit.
The asterisms count from the beginning of the Hindu Zodiac
for purposes of the present system, and are each exactly 13 20 in
extent. Each asterism is divided into four parts, called Padams,
or quarters, but for simplicity we may call them merely parts.
As there are 30 in each sign, and 13 20 in each asterism, it
follows that a sign contains just 2 asterisms, i.e., two whole asterisms
and one part. The following table shows the asterisms contained
in each of the signs; a separate column indicates the planet ruling each
asterism, and another, the period through which it is said to rule:-
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If attention be paid to the following explanation, the table will
soon be understood. In the first column we find Aries, and underneath it four Ashvini, four Bharani, one Krittika, which means that
in the sign Aries there are four parts of Ashvini, four of Bharani,
and one of Krittika. Under Taurus we find the remaining three
parts of Krittika, the whole of Rohini, and half of Mrigashirsha.
In the same line with Ashvini we find, in the second column, the
asterism Magha under Leo, and Mula in the third column under
Sagittarius; while still further I the same line we find the Dragons
Tail (called Ketu by the Hindus) and the figure seven, which means
that Ashvini, Magha, and Mula are all ruled by Ketu, and that
Ketus period is seven years.
In order to overcome the difficulty of introducing Sanskrit words
into this dissertation upon Hindu Astrology, we propose to call the
asterisms by their unmbers, Ashvini being one, Bharani two, and
so on to Revati, which is twenty-seven. The names of the planets in
use among us will be preserved, but for the purposes of reference,
their Hindu equivalents are given in this place: The Sun is Surya;
The Moon, Chandra; Mars, Kuja; Mercury, Budhan; Hupiter, Guru;
Venus, Shukra; Saturn, Shani; the Dragons Head, or Moon;s
Ascending Node, Rahu; the Dragons Tail, or Moons Descending
Node, Ketu.
THE PLANETS PERIODS
We have made very careful and prolonged enquiries among the
native Jyoshis of southern India, to find out upon what principle
the various periods are allotted to the several planets, but without
success; and the books we have consulted are silent upon the matter.
Upon study of the subject, however, it is seen that the total of the
different periods is one hundred and twenty years, which the Hindus
regard as the natural life-period. This period, therefore, in some
way corresponds to the complete circle of 360 , which is three
times one hundred and twenty. The zodiacal circle we have found
to be divided into twenty-seven asterisms, each of 13 20 and the
life-period of one hundred and twenty years, when divided by nine,
the number of the significators employed, gives thirteen years four
months; so that there is a proportion of 1 for each year of life,
as in our own systems. It will be readily seen, moreover, that the
basis of the system lies in the Triad
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360
= 3 times 120
120
= 3 times 40
40 = 3 times 13
9 = 3 times 3
Let us grant, for the purpose of investigation, that the periods
of the planets are the result of experience, and at once the intelligent
astrologer would be prepared to find that there is some underlying
numerical harmony, by which this apparently arbitrary division of
the life-period is brought into line with all se know of the Astral
science; and although we are quite prepared to find it so, at the
present time we are not in a position to state that the said harmony
actually exists. Experience is the great test, and had no experience
proved to us the truth of the deductions of Hindu astrologers, we
should not deem this exposition worth writing.
THE SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC
From what has already been said, it will be seen that the Hindu
Zodiac is similar to our own, having twelve divisions of equal degrees
to one another. The order of the signs is the same, and the natures of
both the signs and their rulers are, in all essentials, the same as those
obtaining among Western astrologers.
These signs have no symbols among the Hindus, who always
suppose Aries to be in the first house, and merely mark the ascendant
(Lagnam) either by a line, or by the letter L. In the north of India,
another system is in vogue; but all tends to the same end, viz., to
determine the rising sign. From this, as a starting point, the rest of the
signs are equally and uniformly distributed through the twelve houses,
though there are no symbols to indicate the fact. At the present day,
there are many astrologers in the north of India who use Tables of
Houses, and indicate oblique ascension of signs, but these are only
copyists of the more mathematical systems of the West. In the famous
and most ancient of all Ndis, the Brighu Samhita, numerous figures
are given, but in none of them is any attention paid to oblique
ascension.
The names of the zodiacal signs corresponding to ours are:
Aries
Taurus
Gemini
Cancer
Leo
Virgo
..
..
..
..
..
..
Mesham
Vrishabham
Mithuna
Ktakam
Simha
Kanya
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces
..
..
..
..
..
..
Tulm
Vrishchika
Dhanus
Makaram
Kumbha
Mnam
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The meaning of the Sanskrit words are the same as imported
by the Latin names in use among ourselves.
THE HOUSES
It is at this point that the Hindu system of Astrology really
becomes perplexing to the European student. The great variety
of seemingly unconnected this, attributed to the several houses
by the Jyoshis, renders anything like a systematic statement of the
rulership of the houses a matter of great difficulty.
It will simplify matters if, in this place, we draw out into prominence
some of the points of contradiction between the two systems.
Among the elements of the first house, then, we find, among
other things, the Memory is under its dominion. This would
probably fall, in the European system, to the third or ninth house, or
perhaps the fourth or tenth, as being the second (wealth) of the
third and ninth. And truly, the things of the memory may be
regarded as the acquired property of the mind, just as the second
house denotes the acquired property of the physical man.
The five physical senses (Gnanendriyas) are attributed to this, the
first, house also. But, observe, the eyes are ruled in the same
system by the second house, the ears by the third house, and how
the senses can be dissociated from their respective organs, we
know not! In the same way, the Religion is said to be ruled by the
first house, while all that constitutes it, and from which it is built up,
comes under the ninth house, e.g., education, temples, religious
instruction, the thread ceremony (upadesha), the occult, or
spiritual powers (siddhis), etc.
From these illustrations, it is quite evident that the modern
writers have disturbed the original harmony and simplicity of the
system, and we would therefore point out at once the remarkable
and assuring fact that, with four exceptions, the system of Garga,
Parshara, and Brighu the more ancient Eastern astrologers is
indentical with that followed by ourselves. These exceptions we
shall now deal with.
The first exception of our system is the fourth house. This all
Hindu astrologers uniformly attribute to the mother, and not the
father, as we do. To our own mind, there is every evidence of the
correctness of this arrangement, for the fourth house is the angle
of the earth, and the earth is the symbol of the mother in all
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mythologies. The connection of the gods with Gaia (earth) and
the birth of the Heroes of the Greek Pantheon will recur to the
reader in this connection. Then, again, the sign Cancer, identified
with the fourth, is the sign of the Moon (Juno-Lucina, Hevah,
Eve, and Parvati), the universal symbol of the mother-principle in
nature. The fourth house is, further, associated with the night,
over which the Moon is said to rule, and the Night, as contradistinguished from the Day, is feminine, e.g., Delilah (ruler of the
night) is the wife of Samson (the Sun). For these reason, and others
which will suggest themselves to the student, the fourth house
more naturally signifies the mother than the father, and the Hindu
system in this instance appears to be more consonant with nature
than our own; at least, as regards a male horoscope.
The second exception is the tenth house, which, while indicating
honour, fame, the family titles, and the profession, also denotes in
the Hindu system, the father. This latter conclusion naturally
follows upon what has been said concerning the fourth house; and
assuredly the tenth house, as identified with the noon-day and the
mid-heaven, and with the Sun, the maker of the day, seems more
naturally to signify the father than the mother, especially when
it is remembered that the family titles the Dharma (special occupation or magistery) and the honour of the native, follow the ancestral
line on the fathers side, and that none of these come through the
mother, whose name changes with marriage, and from whom no
titles descend. Moreover, the mid-heaven is mythically identified
with Ouranos, the First of all the Gods, and father of Saturn
(Kronos) the significator of Time itself. Surely, then, there is every
reason to think that the Hindus, in giving the tenth house to Shiva,
and the fourth to his divine spouse Parvati, indicated once for all
the mundane relations of these houses from the pattern of things
in the Heavens; and rightly denoted the father by the tenth house
and the mother by the fourth, in the typal male horoscope.
The third exception falls in the sixth house, the ruler of enemies,
which we attribute to the seventh house. But the seventh house is
the house of partnerships, and such persons as we form alliances
and contracts with; and chiefly the wife, the friend of our adversity,
the protector of our children, our partner in joy and woe, our best
friend, and life-long confidant. Such is the true wife. How, then,
does the seventh come to denote enemies? It is the result, probably,
of the astrologers having failed to take onto consideration the corrupt-
185
ing influence of a malefic in the seventh. When those whom we
have drawn nearest to us come to be corrupted by the evil planet,
then assuredly they are our worst enemies. Then, too, the seventh
house denotes such as are capable of afflicting us physically, and
hence hurts and injuries result from the affliction of the significators
by planets in the seventh house. The argument for the seventh
house being that ruling open enemies, would be: since the first
house represents in a particular and special sense the personality
of the native, the seventh, which is opposed to it, would denote his
enemies.
But on the same lines one might argue that all the houses have
their respective seventh, or opposition; and hence the relatives
signified by the third would have their open enemies in the ninth,
and so on all around the circle. But when we come to the sixth
house, we have a position in which even good planets are debilitated,
a house of disease and sickness, of servitude and obscurity. This
is far more fitting as a place of enemies than the seventh, which
latter satisfies the law of polarity in nature, and brings about
harmonious alliances and unions.
The next exception, and the last, is that of the twelfth house,
which, in common with ourselves, the Hindus regard as an evil
house; but they likewise give monetary losses as ruled by this house,
in connection with other things, whereas we should judge both
gain and loss from the second. We must leave these points to the
investigation of the student so far as they may apply to European
systems of astrology, and merely state here that they must be taken
as principles of the Eastern system, and judgment must be made
according to the statements above, viz., the fourth house for the
mother, tenth for father, the sixth for enemies, and the twelfth for
losses. All other affairs may be safely taken as ruled by the same
houses as ascribed to them in the standard European works on the
subject.
Note. The Hindu Trimurti, or Deific Trinity, are astrologically denoted by
the planets Saturn, Jupiter, and Mars. Brahma, from the root Brih to expand,
is the name for the Creator, or Deity, in the act of manifestation. Our words
Breath, Breathe, express the same idea, and the act of manifestation in the
Divine impulse is often referred to as the Mah-Swara, or Great Breath.
Jupiter is called in Sanskrit Brihaspati, or the Lord of Expansion. He it
is who brings all thins to gruition, and perfects every work of man. The wife
of Brahma is Saraswati, the goddess of arts and sciences, of knowledge and
186
education, represented by the planet Mercury in its female aspect. But Jupiter
is also called Guru, the Preceptor and spiritual teacher, and in this sense is
related to the sign Sagittarius and the ninth house, which rules over religion and
spiritual things, being Kabalistically the significator of the Spirit of Man, as
the fifth house denotes the soul, and the first house the body. The image of
Sagittarius in this capacity is faithfully depicted in the Apocalypse, chap. iv,
verse 11. It is well known that in the old institutes of the Aryans, the father
was invariably the spiritual preceptor, or guru, of the eldest son, to whom he
transmitted his mamtram and spiritual heirloom at the time of death, and, as
some believe, his siddhis, or psychic powers, also. This is why we have the
anomaly of the ninth house ruling the father in the works of Varaha Mihira,
who followed the ancient teachings of the more spiritual system of his predecessors. Observe also that the joint family system, which constitutes the
eldest son the head of the family and its branches in India to-day, is a relic of
the ancient system of spititual heredity; and as the fortunes of the family are
merged in the horoscope of the eldest born son, it follows that the guru, and the
father came to be judged of from the condition of the same house, viz., the
ninth, and Jupiter was the natural significator. In the name of Jupiter we
have the Deva-pitri or Deo-pitar of the Hindus, the Deus-pater of the Latins, the
Jovah, or Hehovah, of the Semites, and the God-father of the Christian baptism.
ASPECT
The aspects in Hindu Astrology are counted from sign to sign.
There are no half signs employed, as in the semisquare and sesquiquadrate of our system. The trikonam, or trine aspect, is the
chief aspect, and the half trikonam, or sextile, belongs to the same
order. Both these are good. The Kendra, or square aspect, gives
good results when good planets are so placed, and evil when the
planets are evil. The method of signifying aspects is to refer to the
number of signs from the significator which the aspecting body
may hold. Thus: if the Sun be in the second house, and Venus
in the third house of the figure, Venus is spoken of as in the second
from the Sun, and third from lagnam or ascendant.
In the judgment of a figure the condition of the planets are taken
by sign and house, i.e., by essential and accidental dignities or
debilities. The signs and their rulers we have already seen to be
the same as with ourselves. The houses are also the same: Kendra
(angular) first, fourth, seventh, and tenth; Panapara (succedent)
second, fifth, eighth, and eleventh; Apokalima (cadent) third, sixth,
ninth, twelfth.
Of these houses, the third, fifth, ninth, and eleventh are uniformly
good; and the sixth, eighth, twelfth, evil. The first, second, fourth,
187
seventh, and tenth depend upon the planets occupying them.
These aspects may be counted from any significator, and must not
be restricted to the houses bearing those numerals in the figure itself.
Example: Ascendant, Aquarius; Saturn in the eighth house of
figure in the sign Virgo, the Sun in Taurus in the fourth of the figure.
Here Saturn is evil in regard to the first house; but accidentally in
good aspect to Sun, being in the fifth from that luminary. So that
in judging of the this ruled by the fourth house, Saturn would be
taken as favourable; but in relation to the thins of the first house,
unfavourable.
The planets Jupiter and Venus, Sun and Moon, in the fourth
from a significator are friendly, unless in their neecham or fall;
while Saturn and Mars, Rahu and Ketu, are evil, unless in their
dignities.
It may be mentioned here that the sign Scorpio is identified with
Rahu, and Taurus with Ketu, in which signs they are respectively
strong.
The above remarks have reference to judgment from the radix only.
In judging the general effects of the combination of the planets
by period and sub-period (a measure of time which will presently
be given), the general rule in regard to the planetary relations is
that of temporal position. Thus: all planets in the tenth, eleventh,
twelfth, second, third, and fourth houses from the significator, and
those also which (being themselves good) are in the same sign as the
significator, are benefic; all other are evil. This is the simplest and
surest rule that is known in all the books, and, if due allowance be
made for the accidental and essential strength of the planets, a sure
judgement can be given. Yet the essential or natural sympathies and
antipathies of the planets among themselves must not be lost sight
of, for a temporal relationship cannot entirely prevail against a
natural and inherent one that is contrary to it. Nevertheless,
experience will show that the radical affections are often swayed
into temporal service that is contrary to their free or unconditional
nature; so that even Saturn may confer some benefits when in
temporal benefic relations with its natural enemy, the Moon.
ILLUSTRATION
In order to properly set out the system under notice, we shall
have recourse to an example, which we find ready to hand in the
188
horoscope of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. The Ayanms, or
difference between the Vernal Equinox and the star Revati, is thus
determined: 1819-498 A.D. = 1,321 years, x 50 1/3 = 66,492 = 18
28 10 .
This amount must be subtracted from the ascendant and the
planets places, and the signs must be set in the figure without
regard to oblique ascension, as in the example given below. The
subtraction of the Ayanmsa is not for the purpose of marking
the exact degrees held by the planets in the Hindu Zodiac, but to
determine merely what change of sign, if any, is due to them by the
conversion from one Zodiac to another. And in the example given,
we find that the ascendant falls in Taurus (Vrishabham), the Sun
and Moon are in the same sign of the Hindu Zodiac, Mercury
passes into Aries, Jupiter into Capricorn, and mars into Pisces.
Uranus, not being included in the system of Parshara and of the
Hindu writers generally, is left out of the figure, while the Moons
Nodes, and , are included therein. The signs, too, are differently
placed in regard to the houses, being equally distributed throughout.
Shorn of all the elements which properly belong to the European
figure, and which are not required by the Hindu Jyoshi, the result
would be as follows:Jupiter
Saturn
Mars
Venus
Mercury
Dragons
Head
Taurus
Sun
Moon
EMPRESS
OF
INDIA
Dragons
Tail
189
There are different methods of drawing the figures among the
Dravidians in the south of India and the Aryans in the north; and the
first house is placed indifferently in various parts of the figure by the
several schools of astrologers; but all would agree in placing the
planets and signs in the same relative positions as above. It will be
remarked that the ascending sign only is give; the rest are understood as being identified with the several successive houses of the
figure. Reading this figure we say: Taurus rising, with Sun and
Moon; Dragons Tail in Libra in the sixth; Jupiter in Capricornus in
the ninth; Saturn and Mars in Pisces in the eleventh; Venus, Mercury,
and Dragons Head in Aries in the twelfth. A Southern Hindu would
say: Vrishabha Lagnam, Surya and Chandra; Ketu in sixth; Guru in
ninth; Sani, Kuja in eleventh; Suka, Budhan and Rhu in twelfth;
and with these elements he would go to work, remarking that Chandra
(Moon) is in Svochan (its exaltation), and Sukra in in
svaneecham (its debility).
The accidental relations of the planets are as follows: - Dragons
Tail is an enemy to all the planets except Jupiter; Jupiter is
friendly to Dragons Tail, Saturn, Mars, Venus, Mercury, and
Dragons Head, and also to the Sun and Moon; Saturn, Mars,
Venus, Mercury, and Dragons Head are friendly to all except the
Dragons Tail; and the Sun and Moon are friendly to all except the
Dragons Tail. Now, to determine the asterism of birth, observe
the exact longitude of the Moon in the Hindu Zodiac. The
longitude given in the European figure of birth is 3 39 , and that,
being reduced by the Ayanmsa 18 28 , gives 15 11 . Reference
to the table on page 180 will show that in the sign
there are three
parts of Kritika, four of Rohini, and two of Mrigasirsha. Each
of these parts we know to be 3 20 in extent; therefore, three of
Kritika = 10 ; and 15 11 - 10 leaves 5 11 to be accounted for.
These 5 11 form part of the next asterism Rohini. Therefore,
we say that at the Queens birth the Moon was in Rohini, having
passed through 5 11 of that asterism, and being in the second
part thereof. Looking at the table again, we see that Rohini is
ruled by the Moon, whose period is ten years. We have therefore
to find how much of the ten years is due to 5 11 of Rohini, through
which the Moon has passed up to the birth-time. Each asterism
being 13 20 in extent, we say, in this case: If 13 20 gives ten
years, what will 5 11 give?
13 20 (800 ) : 5 11 (311 ) : : 10 : 3 years 10 months 19 days
190
Then, with this expired portion of the Moons period of ten
years, we are able to determine under what sub-period in the
Moons period the Queen was born.
THE SUB-PERIODS
The sub-periods are obtained by multiplying together the years
due to the planet ruling the period and sub-period; then, cutting
off the last figure in the product, multiply it by 3, and call the result
days, the first figure in the product being so many months. Thus,
to find the sub-period due to the Moon in its own period: - The
period of the Moon is ten years 10 x 10 = 100 = 10 months.
There is a cipher for the last figure of the product, and therefore the
sub-period has no odd days. Take another example:Find the sub-period due to mars in the period of the Sun, the Suns
period being six years, and that of Mars seven years.
7 x 6 = 42 = 4 months 6 days. These sub-periods are called in
Sanskrit Bukthi.
They are further divided into antaram periods. The rule for
determining their duration is as follows:1. Divide the months of the Bukthi period by 4; this will give so
many days, hours, etc.
2. Divide the days of the Bukthi period by 5; this will give so
many hours, minutes, etc.
3. The days, hours, and minutes thus produced must be multiplied
by the total period (Das) of the planet whose antaram period is
required.
Example. Required the (antaram) inter-period of Jupiter in the sub-period
(Bukthi) of Saturn, and the period (Das) of Dragons Tail (Ketu).
Period = 7 years
Sub-period = 13 months 9 days
Inter-period, or antaram = ?
By rule 1, 13 4 = 3 days 6 hours
By rule 2, 9 5 = 1 hour 48 minutes
Total = 3 days 7 hours 48 minutes
191
Saturn and the period of Dragons Tail, or, as the Hindus would
say, Ketu Das, Sani Bukthi, Guru Antaram.
It is stated that the ancient Hindu astrologers sub-divided these
periods into most minute fractions, and stayed only at the Swara,
or breath, a period of a few seconds. Whether or not they were
able to determine the phalam, or effects, due to these minute periods
is a matter of question. For all practical purposes, the interperiods of the planets will be found sufficient.
The order of the planets in the successive subdivisions of the periods
is as follows:In all cases the planet whose period is subdivided takes the first
place, and the rest follow on in the order observed in the Table of
Asterisms, viz.,
.
So, if the period belongs to , then will rule the first sub-period,
and the first inter-period of that sub-period. Then follows the
sub-period of Mars in the period of the Moon, and the first interperiod of the sub-period will likewise be ruled by Mars;
, , ,
etc., following in their order.
EXAMPLE OF PLANETRAY SUBDIVISIONS
Moons Period
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Sub-Periods
Moon
Mars
Dragons Head
Jupiter
Saturn
Mercury
Dragons Tail
Venus
Sun
Inter-Periods
192
of the ten years due to the Moon as its full period, 3 years 10 months
19 days had expired at the moment of birth. We need, therefore,
to determine the sub-period which is operating at the time of birth,
and to set out the scale of periods and sub-periods for the whole
term of life.
Moons Period 10 years
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Moon Sub-Periods
Mars Sub-Periods
Dragons Head Sub-Periods
Jupiter Sub-Periods
Saturn Sub-Periods
Mercury Sub-Periods
Dragons Tail Sub-Periods
Venus Sub-Periods
Sun Sub-Periods
Total
Years
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
1
0
10
Months
10
7
6
4
7
5
7
8
6
0
Days
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Months
10
7
6
11
10
Days
0 expired
0 expired
0 expired
19 expired
19 expired
1.
2.
3.
4.
Moon Sub-Periods
Mars Sub-Periods
Dragons Head Sub-Periods
Jupiter Sub-Periods
4.
5.
6.
7.
of
8.
9.
Years
1
1
1
0
Months
4
7
5
7
Days
0
0
0
0
1
0
8
6
0
0
Total
193
It will thus be seen that the Queens age at the expiry of the
Moons period was 6 years 1 month 11 days.
The next period is that of Mars, which rules for seven years.
Add this to the above age and we get 13 years 1 month 11 days, the
age at expiry of Mars period. After Mars comes the Dragons
Head, which rules for eighteen years, bringing us to the age of 31
years 1 month 11 days. Then, Jupiter, with a period of sixteen years,
reaching to the age of 47 years 1 month 11 days. Next Saturn,
with nineteen years for its period, rules to the age of 66 years 1
month 11 days. Next Mercury, whose period is seventeen years,
brings us up to the age of 83 years 1 month 11 days.
These periods can be set out according to the example given in
the Moons period, and the age progressively shown at the expiry
of each sub-period.
It will now be more or less clear to the student of Hindu Astrology
upon what basis the Zodiac rests; how the Nakshatrams (or
asterisms) are counted, and what planets rule over each of them,
together with the periods of their rule. It will further be clear after
what manner the periods, sub-periods, and inter-periods (the
Hindu method of computing the time of events, corresponding
to our directions) are to be calculated. To this part of the work a
complete set of all necessary tables will be appended, so that it is
only necessary here that the methods should be known in order
for the student to use those tables intelligently.
A good deal of controversy has been raised in regard to this
system by Hindus who have received a European education, and
who consequently wish to appear in all matters to be up to date,
such persons claiming for the East a common use of Tables of
Houses, the computation of horoscopes by oblique ascension under
the latitude of birth, and a full knowledge of the Zodiac which
begins with the equinoctial point. Despite the efforts of these
gentlemen to improve their credit for intelligence at the expense of
their Jyotish Shstra, we maintain that, although Mihira knew of
the Precession of the Equinoxes, and quoted Parshara and Garga
to the same effect in his Brihat Samhit, he nevertheless used the
Equinox beginning from Revati, and referred all his rules and
horoscopes to a fixed Zodiac, which is now (1898) 19 34 26 East
of the vernal equinox. In proof of this, and to silence the contention
that the system of Parshara was confined to the South of India,
where it is yet in vogue, we refer critics to the Bhrigu Samhit, which
194
is in the possession of Pandit Nandkishor of Meerut, N. W. Province.
We have in our possession over a hundred horoscopes from that
colossal work, and in none of them is there any observance of
oblique ascension, while the planets places are referred to the
fixed Zodiac, and not to the Vernal Equinox. Can any further,
more reliable, or more ancient authority be adduced to the contrary?
195
Ketu with Taurus.
These signs are called their uchha, or
exaltations.
From these descriptions, it will be seen that judgment concerning
any planet is derived from a consideration of its rulership in the
signs and the houses occupied by those signs, in addition to the
place of the planet itself, its general nature, and its sympathies
and antipathies in the natural world and in man.
For this reason, the Moon is strong in the second and fourth
houses; the Sun in the fifth and first; Mars in the first and eighth;
Saturn in the tenth and seventh, etc., irrespective of the signs in
which they are found; for they have affinity with these several
houses by their affinities in the world-soul, the horoscope of which
is Meshalagnam (Aries for rising sign), during the whole of Kali
Yuga (the present age), i.e., the Dark, or Iron Age.
PERIODS
As the general phalam (effects) of the horoscope is derived from
the configurations and conditions of all the planets, taken as significators for the whole life, so, in judging of the effects of any period
of the life, attention must be paid to the condition (by position and
configuration) of the planet ruling that period as determined by
the calculation called Klachakradashphalakathna, i.e., the dividing
of time (the life-period) into its periodical effects. This calculation
was set forth in the chapter upon periods, sub-periods, and interperiods. Its basis is the Moons place at birth. According to
the condition of the planets ruling the required period, the life and
fortunes of the native will be affected.
SUB-PERIODS
These are considered in relation to the general effects due to the
planets governing the period in which they fall, and they are subsidiary to the fortunes promised by the period planet. In this
respect they may be considered in the same manner as lunar and
solar directions, which will, perhaps, simplify matters. Then, if
the period planet shows good effects, it does so from its position
and aspects at birth, and an evil sub-period planet cannot counteract
its effect wholly, but some good will remain behind. The result
is similar when, mutatis mutandis, the P. planet is evil and the S.P.
196
planet good. But when both agree in nature and point to the same
end, then the effects are forcible and decided, either for good or
evil, as the case may be.
INTER-PERIODS
These are taken as subsidiary to the sub-periods in the same
manner that transits or lunations are considered in relation to lunar
or secondary directions in our European methods. The longest
of these reaches over a period of 6 months 20 days, viz., the
I.P. of the
S.P. in the
P.; the shortest inter-period is that of
the Sun in its own sub-period and period; it lasts only 5 days
9 hours 36 minutes. The condition of the I.P. planet must be
taken into account, and its relations to the sub-period planet
properly estimated. Its effects may then be accurately known.
A few straightforward rules are necessary in order to bring the
above observations into systematic form.
RULES TO JUDGE OR PLANETARY PERIODS
I. Consider well the positions and affections of the period
planet, for even a good will not bear good fruit
during its period if it be ill affected by sign or position,
or afflicted by the majority of planets.
II. The sub-period planet must be considered in the same way
as the period planets, but in addition thereto its relations
with the period planet must be taken carefully into
account; for though the planets have a natural enmity
and friendship existing between them, and due to their
respective natures, yet when the sub-period planets is
in good aspect to the period planet it will produce
good, even though these planets be natural enemies.
Similarly, friendly and benefic planets will not produce
good fruits if weak or afflicted, or themselves afflicting
(by position) the period planet to which they are related.
III. The effects of the ruling planets are intensified at such time
as the Sun may be passing through the signs occupied
by them or the signs over which they rule.
197
N.B.The Sun does not enter the Hindu signs until
twenty days after its entry into the European signs
bearing the same name.
IV. The inter-period planets are considered in the same manner,
in regard to the sub-period planets to which they are
related, as these latter are to the period planets. It
thus happens that even when the period is a good one,
as shown by the position and affections of the period
planet, yet there are sub-periods, and again inter-periods,
when evils may naturally arise.
V. The general effects of the planets thus related must be taken
into account, and their natural relations, as well as their
temporary relations in the horoscope, must be well
considered. Thus, Saturn and Sun, although natural
enemies by sign and exaltation, may be respectively in
Libra and Leo, in which case they are in temporary
good relations, occupying the third and eleventh signs
respectively from one another. Judgment is made
accordingly, but it is to be understood that a temporary
friendship will not entirely overcome a radical and
constitutional enmity.
VI. The effects will further have relation to the nature of the
house corresponding to the sign occupied by the subplanet, in the period under consideration. Thus if the
period be that of Sun, and the sub-period be that of
Venus, and Venus be in the sign Aquarius, the effects
will fall out in relation to the eleventh house affairs;
if Venus be in Libra, then seventh house affairs will be
affected.
VII. The sign, counted from the rising sign, will give a further
element of interpretation. Thus, if, in the sub-period
of any planet, that planet occupies Leo, and Scorpio
be rising, the effects will fall on the tenth house affairs.
VIII. The number of the signs counted from the period to the
sub-period planet will give the house corresponding
thereto, over which the effects will hold sway. Thus:
Sun in Virgo and Venus as sub-period planet in Scorpio
will show the third house affairs to be affected.
IX.
The houses in the horoscope ruled by the planet whose
198
LOCALITY
In judging of the direction in which a person will travel, when
such is shown in the horoscope, or again in the P., S.P., and I.P.
effects, the following rule is usually taken: The first house, with
its complements twelfth and second, governs the South. The
tenth, with ninth and eleventh, governs the East. The seventh,
with fifth and eighth, governs the West; and the fourth, with third
and fifth, governs the North
So in the signs:
= South;
= North;
= West; and
= East.
Therefore, Mars rules the East; the Moon rules the North;
Venus governs the West; and Saturn the South.
Judgment is chiefly to be made from the houses, and next, but
subserviently, from the signs occupied by the planets.
THE KALAMRITAM
The effects of periods and sub-periods, measured from the
asterism held by the Moon at birth, and known as the Das Bukthi
Phala, are given variously in different Sanskrit and vernacular
works current in India. But that which seems to be held most in
esteem among the astrologers of Southern India is the Klmritam,
a small but explicit treatise upon the system of Parshara. The
following statement of the effects of the periods and sub-periods
of life (measured according to the rules already given in this exposition) are taken from its pages. Like most treatises of its kind, the
original takes the form of a Kavita or poem.
In making this translation, respect has been had to the customs
of European life, and this fact alone draws it away from the domain
199
of scholastic criticism which would only be concerned with a work
of scholarly pretensions. The sense and import of the text have
been chiefly considered, and the ideas embodied have been put into
simple English. Thus, instead of enumerating the gold, pearls,
granaries, carriages, soft cushions, sunshades, rich cloths, and
turbans that certain periods and sub-periods will confer upon
the native, it is quite English enough to state that his wealth and
property will increase. With these reservations, and bearing in
mind what has been said in regard to the radical relations of the
different planets, the following may be accepted as the general.
EFFECTS OF PERIODS AND SUB-PERIODS
PERIOD OF SUN
Suns Sub-period. There will be trouble among relatives, quarrelling
and difficulties with superiors and those in office above the
native. Anxieties, headaches, pains in the ears, some tendency
to urinary or kidney affections. Sickness is to be expected
between 12th April and 12th May (if included in this period)
or again between 12th August and 12th September, i.e., when
the Sun is in Mesham (Aries) or Simha (Leo).
Moons Sub-period. Benefits from superiors or patrons, gain and
success in business, new enterprises, troubles through women,
pains in the eyes. (This will be augmented in the month of
Katakam, 12th July to 12th August, and on those days when
the Moon passes through Cancer.)
Mars Sub-period Rheumatic or other sharp pains, feverishness,
quarrelling, some danger of enteric fever, dysentery, or other
wasting disease; troubles fall on the relatives; the native
wastes his money, or may lose it by theft or carelessness.
His efforts will not be very successful.
Dragons Head Sub-period A great many troubles and fears,
crosses and changes, according to the condition and place of
the Dragons Head. Entire break-up of the family. The
native will be away from his home at the time.
Jupiters Sub-period Friends will benefit him. He will increase
in knowledge and will give evidence of his powers in some
form or other. Employment among people of good position;
200
MOONS PERIOD
Sub-Periods
Moon Marriage frequently occurs during the rule of this subperiod, and is fortunate. The native does heroic actions and
noble deeds. He inclines to public life. He will have changes
or residence. All his wishes will be fulfilled. A child may
be born to him.
Mars Useless quarrels and litigation; disputes of all kinds;
rashness; impetuosity; loss of property; cutaneous affections;
201
danger of fire in the month from 12th April to 12th May. Danger of
disputes between husband and wife, or between lovers, or in regard
to marital affairs.
Dragons Head Loss of money; danger of stirring up enemies,
sickness, according to the sign the Dragons Head occupies.
Anxiety on account of friends; enmity of superiors or those
in power. Anxiety or trouble through the wife or lover.
Jupiter Property will increase; food and comforts will be plentiful;
there will be prosperity.
Benefits from persons in good
position, masters, governors, the father, or the ruling powers.
The Native may beget a child at this time.
Saturn The partner (wife and lover) may die or be separated from
the native. Much mental trouble. Loss of wealth, or a
state of impecuniosity.
Dishonour or slander will be experienced. Loss of friends; some ill health.
Mercury Disputes will cease. The native will have pleasure
through children or love affairs. Wealth will increase. All
intentions will be accomplished.
In the month of Virgo,
th
th
12 September to 12 October, he will give evidence of some
intellectual achievements.
Dragons Tail There will be sickness of a feverish nature, or hurt
by fire. The body will be subject tot some eruptions or swellings.
The eyes may suffer. The mind will be filled with cares, and the
native will experience some trouble. He may incur some
public criticism or displeasure; may meet with dishonour or
be the means of his own undoing.
Venus According to the position of Venus in regard to the Moon
and rising sign, there will be sickness, pain, loss of property,
enmity, and loss through enemies or, the reverse of this.
Sun Biliousness and feverish complaints. Some change in the
bodily appearance. Severe pain in the eyes. Success, or the
reverse, according to the relative position of the Sun and Moon.
MARS PERIOD
Sub-Period
Mars Danger of hurts according to the sign held by Mars. In the
month of Aries or Scorpio (if included) he will have trouble
202
203
DRAGON HEADS PERIOD
Sub-Period
Dragons Head Death of the king, superiors, senior partner,
master, or the head of the family. Mental anxiety. Danger
of blood poisoning. The wife is afflicted. The native will have
some removals. All sorts of quarrels and scandals will take
place in regard to him.
Jupiter Pleasure will increase. Gain through nobles or persons
of position.
Benefits and comforts through his superiors.
All his efforts will succeed. He will be married, engaged, or
if married will be re-united to his wife.
Saturn Enemies will arise. There will be cause for mental
anxiety. Disease will appear. Incessant disputes and contests.
Rheumatism, biliousness, etc., will attack his health. Trouble
will prevail.
Mercury of the thirty months ruled by this sub-period planet,
the first eighteen will be very busy. The native will thrive well.
He will be seriously inclined, and will gain money. In the
last twelve he will experience enmity through his own actions.
Dragons Tail Danger of physical hurts and poison. Ill health
to his children. Some swellings in the body. Troubles on
account of the wife. Danger from superiors.
Venus Acquisition of money and other advantages. Friendly
alliances will be formed. The wife will be fortunate and a
source of happiness. Benefits from superiors or those in
deceit being practiced upon the native. False friends will
come to light in their true colours. But all evils will pass away.
Sun Quarrels on account of the family. Benefits from persons
in good position. Fear and suspicion will arise in connection
with the wife, children, and relatives. Changes of position or
residence will occur.
Moon Loss of relatives. Loss of money through the wife.
Pains in the limbs. He will leave his native place or his present
residence. There will be danger of personal hurts. The
health will be unstable.
Mars Danger of fire, burns, and other physical hurts. Dangers
204
to the person through the malice of enemies. A tendency to
lax or dissolute habits will show itself. Danger of loss by
theft. Disputes and mental anxiety.
JUPITERS PERIOD
Sub-Period
Jupiter Much prosperity. Fame, good position. Property will
increase.
There will be domestic
plenty and happiness.
Benefits from the employment or occupation.
Lawyers,
priests (clergy), and superiors favour the native.
Saturn There will be an increase of wealth and property. After
this, pains in the body will be experienced, rheumatic pains in
the limbs. Troubles through the wife or partner. A falling
off of profit and credit in the place of abode. But these
troubles will pass away.
Mercury Gain by knowledge in the fine arts. Birth of a wellfavoured child, in the case of married people. Wealth increases and advantages from superiors fall to the native.
Dragons Tail The partner, although strong, will die. The
native will change his place of abode. He will be separated
from his relatives and friends, and he may leave his business
or forsake his occupation because of all this.
Venus There will be a reunion in the family. Good success
in the profession or business. He will gain land in the month
of Taurus or Libra (i.e., when the Sun is in these signs). Much
enjoyment. Relatives are friendly, and he will live in peace.
Sun Gain. Good actions are performed or the fruits of past
good action come to the native at this time. Loss of bodily
strength may be experienced.
Some disease will appear
according to the sign held by the Sun. But these evils will not
endure.
Moon Prosperity increases. He gains honour and fame. Acquires
property. Benefits through children and happiness to them.
All good efforts in the past will collectively render their fruits
to the native.
Mars Annoyances and troubles of various kinds. Danger of
loss by theft. Loss of a friend, elder brother, or parent.
205
Some inflammatory disease arises in the system. He will
move from his present place, and will fail to accomplish his
engagements.
Dragons Head Relatives give trouble.
Small quarrels are
numerous. There is some loss of property. Troubles to the
wife or through her. The native becomes the object of deceptions, which occasions some loss or trouble.
SATURNS PERIOD
Sub-Period
Saturn Disease appears, and the body languishes. Loss of
children and money is to be feared. Serious enmities arise;
relatives cause disputes.
Troubles come upon the native
through his relatives.
Mercury Knowledge in some particular direction will increase.
The native will be wise and discreet. Children will prosper.
Relatives will meet with success. The native will prosper and
receive favours and approbation from superiors.
Dragons Tail Rheumatism in the right leg. Some biliousness,
or sickness. Danger of poisonous elements in the system.
Danger from the natives own son. Loss of money. Contentions and quarrels. A bad time generally.
Venus Attentions and favours from others. Gifts. Profit in
business. Increase in the family circle by a birth or marriage.
Victory over enemies and the overcoming of obstacles.
Sun Danger of blood-poisoning. Hmorrhage of the generative
system. Chronic poisoning. Intestinal swellings. Affections
of the eyes. Even healthy children and wives come to the
sick-bed under this influence. The body is full of pains and
disorders. Danger of death.
Moon Trouble and sickness fall upon the native. There are
family disputes. Losses both of money and property. The
native will be reduced to great need, and will sell or mortgage
his property, and will recover it only after a lapse of time.
Mars Some disgrace will fall upon the family. Very serious
enmity and strife will ensue. Much blame will attach to the
native. He will go from one place to another, and will lead
206
an unsettled life at this period. He will have many enemies;
will be deprived of money by fraud or theft. He will leave his
home and kindred.
Dragons Head Loss of money. Will be in danger of physical
hurts. Various physical troubles will ensue. Even foreigners
will become his enemies. Troubles increase under this influence.
Jupiter He will find favour and refuge with good men or clergy.
Will have some increase in his bodily comforts. Through
the aid of superiors he will accomplish his intentions. He will
abide happily in one place, and have an increase of family.
MERCURYS PERIOD
Sub-Period
Mercury The native gains a brother or sister, either by marriage
or birth. An increase of the family is shown. He gains in
business, and receives advancement. Learning will attract his
attention and engage his efforts.
Dragons Tail The native leaves his place of abode. He experiences some sickness, loss of property, misfortune to his
relatives, etc.
He has some trouble through doctors, and
danger in regard to his medicine. Mental anxiety.
Venus The native has good children born to him. Happiness
in the married state. Relatives prosper. Trade increases.
Knowledge is gained. He returns from a long journey. If
not already married, he will form an alliance at this time.
Sun Danger of fire. Anxieties. Sickness of the wife. Enemies
give trouble. Many obstacles in all his affairs. Troubles
through superiors.
Moon Some danger of jaundice or bilious fever. Affections of
the blood. Neuralgic pains and severe headaches. Neighbours cause troubles. Sickness due to trouble; wounds or
hurts. This period will end in quarrels.
Dragons Head The native is removed from his present position.
207
208
of pleasure.
If married, his love affairs progress well.
Wealth will increase considerably.
Saturn All properties will be in danger of ruin. The native will
suffer heavy losses in different ways. He will change his place
of abode. Some cutaneous disease is to be feared. Anxiety
owing to the sickness of the wife or partner.
Mercury Changes will occur. Danger from relatives. Anxiety
on account of children. His plans will not succeed.
Venus Financial success. Good servants and the accessories of
good fortune. Many pleasures. Money will be plentiful,
but in the month of Libra (12th October to 12th November)
there will be cause for sorrow.
Sun He will have cause for anxiety and fear. Prosperity will
decline. This will be caused by superiors. There will be
disputes with the wife or partner, with children and others.
Family and domestic troubles. Even in sacred places or in
regard to spiritual matters he will be involved in disputes and
quarrels.
Moon He will accomplish all his intentions. There will be
troubles through the wife, but they will pass away, and domestic
happiness will ensue in full measure.
Mars Property will increase. Through the influence of women
he will not perform his duties and will become lax in his efforts,
neglecting his duties. His mind will be upon earthly things,
bent upon pleasure and neglecting religion. Some affection
of the eyes and skin will appear and pass away.
Dragons Head Like a perfect mouni (one under a vow of
silence), he will perform Tapas (religious austerity). Foreseeing quarrels among his people or relations, and between
them and himself, by a very rare medicine he will withdraw
himself from them, and become as distant as possible.
This is a difficult passage to render into astrologic parlance.
It may mean that he will retire (if he be wise) from his family
or circle of acquaintances and seclude himself.
In some
209
211
APPENDIX
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
SUPPLEMENT TO REVISED EDITION
THE PROGRESSIVE HOROSCOPE
UNDER this title it is the authors intention to add to the information already
given in Chapter III on the system of secondary Directions. It really does
not matter whether we call these directions Secondary, Chaldean, Luni-Solar,
or by any other name, providing we understand those directions which are
formed by the Sun, Moon, and Planets among themselves, and to the radical
or birth positions of the various bodies, by their motions in the heavens after
birth.
It is essential, however, that these directions should be properly
calculated, and this is what may be safely claimed has never before been done
in any of the published expositions of the system.
In order to support this statement, reference must be made to the specimen
horoscope given on page 51 of this work. This figure contains the radical positions
of the planets at the moment of birth.
Now, directions of the Sun and Moon to these positions will have the effect
of bringing them into action for good or ill, according to the nature of the
aspect formed tot hem by direction, as taught in the Primary Considerations
on page 159. The nature of the event will be in harmony with the nature of
the planet to which direction is made, and the sphere of life affected will be
controlled by the House in which that planet may be.
But when we come to consider the practice of directing the Sun and Moon
to the places of the planets in their progress after birth, it will be necessary to
take into account the natural motion of the heavens during the interval that
has elapsed since the moment of birth up to the moment when the direction is
completed. This has not received due consideration in any work which has
made Progressive or Secondary directions the subject of study.. In fact,
the places of the slower moving bodies, such as Pluto, Neptune, Uranus, and
Saturn, as well as others when retrograde, are usually accounted to be the
same both in the Radix and the Progress. Thus, if Neptune at birth were in
Virgo 23 27'just before the cusp of the ninth house as in the figure on page
51, the direction of the Moon to the conjunction with Neptune ninth day
after birth (corresponding to the tenth year of life) would be the same as the
conjunction to its progressed place, and in practice there would be nothing
to distinguish the effects of Moon conjunction Neptune R. and Moon conjunction Neptune P., since both are in Virgo, just before the ninth cusp. Similarly
in the case of Moon to the aspect of Uranus, both the radical and progressed
positions of that planet being in Taurus on the cusp of the fifth house, the
effects are not distinguishable.
But in point of fact this is not the case. The positions are not the same,
and the effects are different. The means of distinction is supplied by the proper
method of calculating the progressed horoscope. The method is as follows:-
222
TO CALCULATE THE PROGRESSED HOROSCOPE
1. Count the number of days after birth corresponding to the number of
years completed.
2. To the Sidereal Time at noon on that day apply the hour of birth, as
instructed on page 47. This will give the Right Ascension of the Mid-heaven
in the progressed horoscope, and by the Tables of Houses the horoscope can
be erected.
3. The planets places for the hour of birth on the day of the progress must
be set in this figure, and it will then be found that a true astronomical figure,
representing the places of the planets in regard to the place of birth a certain
exact number of days after birth, is obtained.
All the planets (except such as are retrograde) will have increased their
longitudes by their own proper motions in their orbits. But it will also be
seen that nearly all the planets have changed their Houses since their last
conjunction with the Moon. They have therefore changed their significance,
at all events in regard to their progressed positions.
EXAMPLE
In the specimen horoscope, page 51, we may inquire concerning the directions of
the 5th and 32nd years of life. Following the rule :
1. Four days complete reaches to the 14th April 1940 at 1 a.m. G.M.T.
2. This is equivalent 13th hours past noon. Therefore
To the Sidereal Time at Noon
Add
Correction for 13 hours
Progress Right Ascension of M.C.
Deduct for West Longitude 2
Right Ascension of Progressed Mid-Heaven
H
1
13
0
14
14
M
26
0
2
28
8
20
T
5
0
10
15
0
15
With this R.A. we enter the Tables of Houses for latitude 52 28 N., and
under the sign of the 10th house we find 7 30 of the sign Scorpio. Under
the sign of the Ascendant we find 0 38 of the sign Capricorn. Thus we have
the progressed Mid-heaven and the progressed Ascendant.
3. The planets places are then placed into the map for 1 a.m. on the morning
of April 14th 1940, and the figure for the progress is completed.
Now at the outset it will be seen that the Mid-heaven is separating from a
sesquisquare of the radical position of Saturn and that the progressed Ascendant
is separating from a sesquisquare of the radical Uranus and applying to a
quincunx of the radical Pluto. The Moon by progression is passing through
the seventh house of the map and the sign Cancer. Saturn is in the fourth
house of the map and Uranus is near the fifth cusp. This combination would
react upon the mental/emotional side of the childs nature in so far as a child
223
of four years could respond to such vibrations, and could signify the experiencing
by the mother, Saturn in the fourth house ruling the mother, of conditions of
a worrying nature in connection with home and family affairs and in addition
it could have shown a recent addition to the family in the shape of a brother
or sister, Uranus being on the cusp of the fifth house ruling children, and Pluto
being in the sign Leo which also rules children.
Now let us take the indications for the 32nd year of life. Thirty-one days
after birth measures to the 11th May 1940 when the calculation is as follows:
Sidereal Time at Noon on 10th
Add time elapsed to hour of birth
Correction for 13 hours at 10 seconds per hour
Progress Right Ascension of M.C.
Deduct for 2 West Longitude
Right Ascension of Progressed Mid-Heaven
H
3
13
0
16
16
M
12
0
2
14
8
6
T
32
0
10
42
0
42
This R.A. gives the Mid-heaven between the 3rd and 4th degrees of Sagittarius
and the Ascendant approximately 1 of Aquarius. The progressed Mercury
is found in the 8th degree of Taurus, having moved from near the cusp of the
third house (its birth position) to about a third way through the fourth house.
The progressed Venus is in the 3rd degree of Cancer, having moved from near
the cusp of the sixth house at birth, to part way through the seventh house,
whilst Mars in 26 of Gemini has moved through Gemini until just past the
Descendant.
The progressed M.C. is applying to a sesquisquare of the radical Sun and a
semi-square to the radical Moons North Node showing an experiencing of
troubles and difficulties in connection with vocational interests and warning
against a possible loss of favour or support from those who are in higher positions
connected with the actual work that is being done and with the social or public
activities which are being carried out. The progressed Ascendant, just separating
from the opposition of the radical Pluto would signify a degree of financial
difficulty and warn against the taking of financial or speculative risks. Mercury
would be in sesquisquare to the radical Neptune denoting a danger of encountering some form of intrigue or trickery and warning against an abuse of personal
confidence whilst it would signify that the ensuing year would be unfavourable
for long distance travel, for emigration or for anything of an overseas and
foreign character. Venus makes no aspect by progression and therefore does
not exercise any specific influence during the year and the same signification
applies to Mars which also does not from any aspect by progression. Therefore
the main significations fro the 32nd year of life, covering the year as a whole
would be taken from the progressed Aspects made by the Mid-heaven, Ascendant
and Mercury.
It will therefore be seen that the influence of a lunar or solar direction to
the progressed planets will fall in a different sphere of the natives life every
time the same aspect is formed, while at the same time the lunar and solar
directions to the radical places will have the effects due to their radical positions,
as determined by their sign and House. Hence, although the major planets
(and also the minor ones when retrograde) do not appreciably alter their
224
longitudes in the course of a lunar revolution, the diurnal progress of the
heavens will bring them successively from one House to the next, conversely;
that is to say, from the ninth to the eighty, and from the eighth to the seventh,
so that they will have successively different influences, and will affect different
spheres of the life.
By the ordinary method of the fixed horoscope, the major planets which
produce the greatest effects in the life will continue in the same House all
through the life Neptune, near the cusp of the ninth house, Saturn in the
fourth house, Uranus on the fifth cusp, Jupiter in the third; effects will happen
at every successive good or evil aspect to these planets, every five years bringing
up the same influence of the same planet for good, and every seven years
bringing up the same influence of the same planet for evil. This is not the
case in point of fact, for the influence is gradually changing from one House
to another. The Moon does not make a clean sweep of the possible influences
of the major planets in a twenty-eight year cycle (28 days), and then return
to the same sequence of events. It certainly returns to the same sequence
of aspects to these major planets, but as they have all changed their houses
by the progress the effects are of the greatest importance.
Also planets coming to the cusps of Houses by the same Progress are of
remarkable significance, according to the nature of the aspects they thus form
in Mundo (see page 153, Mundane Directions).
The foregoing exposition of the progressed horoscope will supplement
and modify the statement of the system already made in this book in regard to
Secondary Directions contained in Chapter III. It will not be necessary to
erect a series of figures for the successive years of life, but it will suffice for
ordinary proactive if the Mid-heaven and Ascendant in the Progress are set
out in the scale of Primary directions referred to on page 154. By reference
to the Tables of Houses for the latitude of the birthplace, it will at once be seen
in what houses the progressed positions of the planets will fall.
The test of this system is made by the directions to the progressed M.C.
and Ascendant; for if there were no truth in it, directions to these points
would have no influence at all, neither would the transits of the planets over
these points be in any way significant, whereas the effects are of the most
appreciable nature and altogether convincing.
THE LUNAR EQUIVALENT
The Lunar Equivalent is an extension of the progressed horoscope, in
terms of the natural motion of the heavens as seen from the place of birth.
We have already shown that each complete day after birth marks a year of
life, and that during the revolution of the earth on its axis each day the Sun
gains one degree (roughly), throwing the Mid-heaven forward at the same
rate, and bringing the Ascendant by oblique ascension to the horizon at a
variable rate, as shown by the Tables of Houses.
225
But there is yet another aspect of this subject which has not hitherto been
explained, and which is of considerable importance.
It is the Lunar
Equivalent, constituting a change in the progressed Mid-heaven and progressed
Ascendant corresponding to lunar motion. As one day equals one year,
two hours will equal one month, and four minutes will equal one day. Taking
any progressed horoscope, set for the hour of birth, we have figure which
represents an exact number of solar revolutions round the earth by apparent
diurnal motion in the heavens. Thus in the case already cited, at thirty-one
days after birth the Mid-heaven is in R.A. 16 hours 6 minutes 42 seconds.
At thirty-two years complete it will be in R.A. 16 hours 10 minutes 39 seconds.
But the Sun and Mid-heaven do not make one degree of the Zodiac per saltum,
but gradually, from hour to hour, as the Earth revolves upon its axis while
the Sun is moving forward in the Zodiac.
Consequently, at 31 years 1 month the Mid-heaven will be in
R.A.
Plus
Increment for 2 hours
R.A. of M.C. for 31 years 1 month
H
16
M
6
T
42
18
0
20
2
For each successive month a further two hours and the increment for equation
will be added to the progressed Mid-heaven, while the Moon and planets
are moving forward in the Zodiac. Consequently, at the end of one complete
revolution of the Sun round the Earth, the Mid-heaven will have gained
twenty-four hours, plus the equation for twenty-four hours (as determined
by the Suns motion in the Zodiac), amounting to about four minutes, which
will give the progressed Mid-heaven for the next birthday anniversary, as
experiment will show. At the end of this time the Moon will have progressed
13 degrees 22 minutes, that being its diurnal motion for one day between the
11th and 12th May, 1940.
By this method a further series of positions will be obtained for the
progressed planets, and the Moon will come into aspect with these planets
at different points in their diurnal revolution round the Earth, these points
falling in different Houses.
ILLUSTRATION
If we calculate the time of the Moon to the conjunction with Saturn, we
shall find that it meets it at 2.50 p.m. on the 26th day after birth, viz., on 6th
May, 1940. Thus :
Saturns longitude at noon
Moons longitude at noon
Difference
Taurus
5 53
4 27
1 26
12 16
7
12 9
log. 1.2239
log. 0.2956
log. 0.9283
226
To the R.A. of progressed Min-heaven
Add time elapsed
Correction
Deduct, as over 24 hours
Lunar Equivalent in R.A. of Mid-heaven
H
16
13
0
29
24
5
M
6
50
2
59
0
59
T
42
0
18
0
0
0
Turning to the Tables of the Houses for latitude 52 28 N., we shall find
that with this Mid-heaven the conjunction will fall in the eighth house. This
enables us to add point to the particular influences at work from the conjunction
of the Moon with Saturn. Similarly with all other cases. Therefore in preparing
the table of lunar aspects as on page 158, it will be advisable to make a separate
column of the progressed Mid-heaven, and by reference to the Tables of
Houses we can then at once see where the aspect actually falls in the heavens
at the time of its exact formation.
227
3. But the transits of Jupiter and Venus, when not afflicted, or the Sun, Moon,
and Mercury when well aspected (either in the ephemeris or the radix), are
uniformly good.
4. The daily aspects formed by the Moon must be taken in regard to the
Houses occupied by the planets aspected. Thus, if the Moon forms a conjunction with Neptune in the second House of the diurnal horoscope, it will
indicate danger of being defrauded of money on that day. At the same time
the Moon may have good aspect of Jupiter I the eleventh House, and the
advice of a friend will be a corrective.
5. The chief effects are due to the transits over the angles of the diurnal
horoscope. Next, the conjunctions that are formed by the major planets with
the Sun, next to the mutual aspects and conjunctions of the plants and lastly
to the aspects formed by the Moon to the planets in the ephemeris.
6. The place of the new Moon in the diurnal horoscope is important, as
it shows in what sphere of the life changes may take place during the month,
good or bad according to the aspects to the luminaries.
The basis of all these considerations must always be those directions which
are in force at the time, for the diurnal horoscope acts in terms of the prevailing
influences, bringing them into operation at those dates when the Diurnal
indications are in harmony with the directions.
Note on the Planetary Periods
In review of the information given on page 171, it has been possible to
further examine the mean periods of the planets, and the following notes will
doubtless be of service to the student.
Taking the mean motion of each planet in its orbit, and applying it to the
Suns mean motion for an equal period, we are able to obtain the mean
synodical periods of the various bodies or the times in which they will form
their conjunctions with the Sun on the same day of the year. Instead of the
periods given on page 171, the following are offered as more approximate
to the truth:
Neptune, 164 years 280 days, mean annual motion 2 10 54 .
Uranus, 84 years gives an advance in longitude of 40 only.
Saturn, 59 years gives an advance of 1 53 .
Jupiter, has a period of exactly 83 years.
Mars, 79 years gives an advance of 1 34 .
Venus, 8 years gives a mean advance of 1 32 , but inconstant.
Mercury, 79 years gives a mean advance of 1 27 , but irregular.
To make use of these periods, the following general paradigm may be
followed:
Required the longitude of Uranus for the 15th October 1672 (New Style).
Given Ephemeris for
1902
Subtract 1672
Difference
230 divided by 84 gives 2 periods, plus 62 years.
1902 minus 62 years gives 1840, and 2 periods multiplied by 40 gives 1.20
From the longitude of Uranus of the 15th October 1840, Pisces
17.09
Subtract
1.20
Longitude of Uranus on the 15th October, 1672 (N.S.) Pisces
15.49
228
Any number of periods can be thus dealt with, by taking any epoch, subtracting it from the year required if the latter be after the epoch, or taking the
required year from the epoch if the former be before the epoch; then dividing
the period of the planet into the remainder, we shall have a certain number
of periods and odd years. The periods will be multiplied by the mean advance
of the planet in one period, and the years when applied to the epoch will give
the year in which the longitude of the planet is to be sought on the required
date. To this is applied the increment for the mean advance in the given
periods, and the approximate longitude of the planet is obtained for the
required date.
Note. To convert Old Style into New Style, for the purpose of this calculation, add to the Old Style the following number of days:
For the 20th Century, 13 days
For the 19th Century, 12 days
For the 18th Century, 11 days
For the 17th Century, 11days
For the 16th Century, 10days
For the 15th Century, 9days
For the 14th Century, 8days
For the 13h Century, 7 days
For the 12th Century, 7 days
For the 11th Century, 6 days