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Solar Arc Directions

Solar Arc Directions

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: September 2025

Solar Arc Directions

This time I’m chatting about one of astrology’s most intriguing forecasting tools, solar arc directions. Once you get your head around them, solar arc directions are simple to use, accurate and can add real depth to your astrology forecasting practice.

Combinations

Personally, I find that solar arc directions really come alive when combined with transits. The blend offers a fuller and more nuanced picture of what is unfolding in someone’s life.

Client’s Charts

That said, I want to be clear and that when I’m working with clients, I never rely on just one technique. I weave together a variety of forecasting tools including transits, lunations and eclipses, the graphic ephemeris, solar arc directions, secondary progressions, and solar return charts. Each one adds a different layer, and together they create a richer interpretation and insight on more levels. And just to get an idea, the diagram below shows how I segment my time when forecasting.

forecasting-pie-chart

In this article, we’re going to focus on solar arc directions, exploring how they work, why they matter, and how you can use them to pinpoint key turning points and life shifts.

 

Podcast

Solar Arc Directions

Listen to our recent podcast episode about solar arc directions.

Symbolic Forecasting

Directions

Solar arc directions are one of the two main symbolic forecasting techniques in astrology the other being secondary progressions. They are called symbolic because they do not represent an actual astronomical motion of the planets, like a transit does. Rather they give a symbolic measurement of time applied to a natal chart.

Progressions

The solar arc directions technique, or directions for short, is closely related to secondary progressions. Both techniques use symbolic time measures to move the natal chart forward and reflect the unfolding of your life events.

Differences

The key difference is that in solar arc directions, all the planets and chart points are advanced at the same rate as the Sun’s annual motion (about one degree per year). This makes the technique simple, easy to eyeball, consistent and easy to apply across an entire chart.

Stand Alone

Solar arc directions can be used on their own as a stand-alone predictive method but not usually. However, I find them most effective when combined with transits. Transits describe the current positions of the planets in real time, while solar arc directions show symbolic growth and inner development. Together, they provide both an inner timeline and an outer trigger, creating a fuller picture of potential life events.

Layering

This layering of solar arc directions for psychological themes and growth, transits for outer events allows astrologers to offer rich, multi-dimensional forecasts. For example, a solar arc direction may suggest a significant internal shift, and a transit to the same planet or point might correspond with the actual external circumstances that bring that shift into shart focus.

Development of Solar Arc Directions

History Timeline


Astrological forecasting techniques have evolved steadily over centuries, with different astrologers refining and adapting the practice of directions. Solar arc directions, as we know them today, did not appear fully formed instead they grew out of a long tradition of experimenting with symbolic time measures. 

Below is a timeline of key contributions:

Ptolemy: Primary Directions


Claudius Ptolemy outlined the earliest known system of symbolic directions in his Tetrabiblos. Primary directions move the planets and points of a birth chart forward in time at the same rate the Earth rotates (roughly one degree per year of life). This became the foundation for later timing techniques.

Maginus: Secondary Progressions


Maginus expanded on earlier methods and popularized what became known as secondary progressions, where each day after birth is taken to represent one year of life. This method gave us astrologers a new symbolic way to examine life unfolding.

Naibod: Naibod Arc Directions


Naibod introduced a refinement known as the “Naibod arc” which is based on the average daily motion of the Sun (59’08” per day). His approach adjusted the primary direction system, offering a more practical way of timing events. 

Placidus: Solar Arc Directions


Placidus brought the system closer to what we now call solar arc directions. His work symbolically advanced all points in the chart by the same arc as the Sun’s movement, creating a unified and simplified technique. This laid the groundwork for modern solar arc forecasting, where every planet and point is moved forward at the solar rate which is about one degree per year give or take. Solar arc directions are now widely used in modern astrology for their simplicity and reliability in predictive work.

Solar Arc Directed Sun

Progressed Sun = Directed Sun

The solar arc directed chart is based on the secondary progression method of day-for-a-year.

The progressed Sun is always at the same position as the directed Sun.

A solar arc directed chart is calculated by taking the position of the day-for-a-year transiting Sun and moving all the planets and points the exact distance (in degrees and minutes) forwards as the Sun. All the directed planets move forward the same distance as the solar arc directed Sun.

Solar Arc Directed Chart

How to Calculate a Solar Arc Directed chart

  • Find the position of the natal Sun.
  • Find the position of the progressed Sun.
  • Find the distance between natal Sun and progressed Sun in degrees and minutes. This degree number is the current solar arc.
  • Move all the planets and points the exact distance (in degrees and minutes) forwards as the progressed Sun.

The Sun’s Daily Motion

Speed

The transiting Sun travels through 360° each year, but it does not move at the same rate each day. The speed depends on the zodiac sign the Sun is transiting. This can affect the solar arc direction calculations.

How far the Directed Sun Moves

Here are some approximate values that the directed Sun will move over the course of your liufe.

  • Age one month old = 05′.
  • Age one year old = 60′ = 1°.
  • Age forty years old = 40°.
  • Age seventy-five years old = 75°.

Equal Openings

Arcs

An arc is part of the curve of a circle.

Planetary Arcs

The degree amount between any two planets in your natal chart is known as an opening.

Solar Arc Length

Each year you will have a wider opening solar arc. At some point, your solar arc distance will equal these planetary openings from smaller to larger openings.

One Hit Openings

For example, if you have a gap of 25° between your Moon and Jupiter, the meaning of these two planets will be triggered when your solar arc distance equals the opening between your Moon and Jupiter of 25°, which will be at age twenty-five. These planetary openings will be important years in line with the urges of the two planets involved.

List Your Openings

It is useful to list all your openings, planet pairs and degrees ahead of time. Not everyone has the same gaps in their natal chart nor has the same pairs of planets at the edges of the gaps.

The Sun’s Orbit

Movement and Speed

During the course of the year the Sun moves slightly quicker through Capricorn each day, and slightly slower through Cancer. The distance travelled by the Sun in fifty years may be slightly more, or less, than fifty degrees on the zodiac. It depends on your Sun’s sign at birth if it is initially moving slowly or fast.

Sun’s Movement

  • The transiting Sun travels 360° in 365 days.
  • The Sun does not move the exact same distance each day.
  • The Sun’s average speed is 59′ a day

Age and Your Solar Arc

The older you are, the longer your solar arc will be. If you are twenty-five years old your solar arc will be around 25°. If you are seventy your solar arc will be around 70°.

Retrograde

There are no retrograde movement in solar arcs as all the planets and points move forward through the zodiac.

The Sun’s Movement

One Day per Year

If we use the yardstick of one day per year of life, then someone aged fifty years old will have their chart moved 50° forward through solar arc movement. Just by looking at the natal chart you can make a judgement surrounding possible events through the simple movement of solar arcs.

Example Ascendant

Any planet 15° above the Ascendant, in the natal twelfth house, will reach the natal Ascendant, by solar arc, in fifteen years. This will ignite the person’s personality, self and ego.

Example Midheaven

Any planet 21° to the right of the Midheaven, and therefore in the natal ninth house, will conjoin the natal Midheaven at around age twenty-one years by solar arc. This will stimulate the urge for status, career and reputation building.

Rectification with Solar Arcs

Birth Time

It follows that life-changing events can be closely timed to a solar arc planet conjoining one of the four angles. The conjoining planet will affect yourself (Ascendant), your marriage or life partner (Descendant), your career and public standing (Midheaven) or your family and home life (IC). If you know of specific years when something occurred in line with the meaning of an angle then you can adjust the natal ascendant to suit. In this way using solar arc direction to help find a correct birth time is invaluable.

Arc Length

Directed Ascendant Calculation

The directed Midheaven is calculated as per the planets, but the directed Ascendant is calculated in another way. With the directed Midheaven degree, simply refer to the Table of Houses for the natal place of birth to find the directed Ascendant.

Interpreting Directions

There are some unique features of solar arc directions:

  • Solar arc directions only occur once in a lifetime.
  • The solar arc directed chart is not interpreted as a standalone chart, it is always referenced back to the natal chart.
  • Solar arc directed aspects between the planets are the same as the planetary aspects in the natal chart.
  • The solar arc Ascendant/Descendant axis can form new aspects with the planets.
  • The solar arc Midheaven/IC axis can form new aspects with the planets.
  • You need to thoroughly know and understand the natal chart in question before you attempt to interpret the solar arc directed chart.

Solar Arc Directed Chart

Interpretation Sequence

Solar arc directions are interpreted by comparing the solar arc directed chart to the natal chart. Typically, you will cast a bi-wheel with the natal chart in the middle and the solar arc directed chart on the outside.

Interpret in the following sequence:

  • Solar arc directed angles changing sign.
  • Solar arc directed angles changing house.
  • Solar arc directed planets changing sign.
  • Solar arc directed planets changing house.
  • Solar arc directed aspects to the natal chart.
  • Solar arc directed contacts to the Aries points

Angles

Directed Angles Changing Sign

What to note with the solar arc directed chart’s angles:

  • The Ascendant and Descendant will change signs in pairs.
  • The Midheaven and the IC will change signs together.
  • The polarity of the Ascendant will change from negative to positive or from positive to negative depending on the signs.

Directed Ascendant changing Sign

  • There will be a new directed chart ruler.
  • Your personal outlook will change.
  • People will begin to see you in a new light.
  • You give off a different first impression.
  • Your face and looks changes over time.

Directed Descendant changing Sign

  • Your approach to relationships changes.
  • The way you relate to others begins to be different.
  • People do not respond to you in the same way as before.

Directed Midheaven changing Sign

  • Your public status changes.
  • Your career may take a new path.
  • The world views you in a different light.
  • Your reputation aligns to the new sign.

Directed IC changing Sign

  • Your private life changes.
  • You view your family in a new light.
  • You review the foundations of your life.

Directed Angles Changing House

Directed Houses

In a year when a directed angle axis changes house it will be a focus on the affairs of those houses. You will become more oriented to the areas of life suggested by the house and there will be a spotlight on the natal ruler of that house.

Directed Ascendant conjoined the 2nd house cusp

This occurs at around age thirty depending on the size of the natal first house.

  • You begin to look for stability and form.
  • The get urge to settle down.

Directed Ascendant conjoined the 3rd house cusp

This occurs at around age sixty depending on the size of the first and second houses.

  • You slowly begin to appreciate your siblings and neighbors.
  • You may wish to revisit your childhood neighborhood.

Directed Ascendant conjoined the IC and 4th house cusp

This occurs at around age of ninety depending on the size of the first quadrant.

  • You focus on the end of life and your twilight years.
  • You begin to return to your family.

Directed Midheaven conjoined the 11th house cusp

This occurs at about age thirty depending on the size of the tenth house.

  • You reach out and build a career network of friends and associates
  • You begin to appreciate those who have stood by you

Directed Midheaven conjoined the 12th house cusp

This occurs at around age sixty depending on the sizes of the previous houses.

  • Your outer life becomes more contemplative.
  • The pace of life may begin to slow down.

Directed Midheaven conjoined the Ascendant

This occurs at about age ninety depending on the size of the fourth quadrant.

 

  • You begin to return to your initial loves and accept your personality
  • This can be a time of starting a new chapter in life

Extend Yourself

Solar Arc Directions: Angles

Referring to your natal chart:

 

  • Find how many degrees there are from your natal Ascendant to the next sign.
  • Find how many degrees are there from your Ascendant to the 2nd house cusp.
  • Note what date your next solar directed Ascendant sign change will be.
  • Note what date your next solar directed Ascendant house change will be.
  • Note when and which sign your solar arc directed Descendant will enter next.
  • Note at what ages did, and will, your directed Midheaven change signs.
  • Note at what ages did, and will, your directed Midheaven change house.

Extend Yourself Further

Solar Arc Directions: Angles Interpretations

For your next forthcoming Ascendant sign change (above) please do the following:

 

  • Write a few sentences on how this could manifest in your personal life. Mention the new chart ruler, polarity and element change (100 words).
  • Explore how your solar arc Descendant sign shift is likely to be expressed through your meaningful personal relationships (100 words).
  • For your next forthcoming Midheaven sign change, write a few sentences on how this could manifest in your life. Through status, career or reputation. Mention the polarity and element change (100 words).
  • Explore how your solar arc Immum Coeli sign shift is likely to be expressed through your family, home life and roots (100 words).

Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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Progressed Lunar Phase

Progressed Lunar Phase

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: March 2025

Working with the Progressed Lunar Phase

Once you understand how to interpret a natal chart, which can take a long time, you would then probably move onto astrological forecasting.

Direct Forecasting

Typically, you would maybe start with direct forecasting techniques like transits first, eclipses and then you’d move on to solar returns.

Symbolic Forecasting

Finally, you’d move on to the symbolic forecasting techniques, of which there are two that I generally use, which are, secondary progressions and solar arc directions. But within secondary progressions is a very important part which is the progressed lunar phase. By the way, if you don’t learn anything else in progressions, you really do need to know about the progressed lunar phase. So, let’s get started…

Transiting Lunar Phase

Definition

Let’s first consider the transiting lunar phases which occurs as the Moon goes round the Earth once a month. These phases begin at the New Moon where the Moon grows in light to the Full Moon. Then from the Full Moon, the light reduces back down to the next New Moon when the cycle begins again. In this way there are two weeks of growth and two weeks of reduction or holding. This is the transiting lunar phase that we all know and love. We can all see the Full Moon, which we have been able to since the day we were born, so it’s nothing new really, but now it is just about understanding the different phases.

The Principle of Phase

The Moon is not the only planet to actually phase. We do see phases of Mercury and Venus quite clearly with the telescope. On occasion there are phases of the other planets, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. We are only likely to see the superior planets when they’re in the full phase, and therefore they are opposite the Sun, because that is really the best time as we can view them from Earth. If the superior planets are on the other side of the Sun to us, we can’t even see them. We never see their full range of phases.

With the inferior planets, Mercury and Venus, we can look and view several of the phases, especially the quarter phases, but not all of the stages as we can see with the Moon. This really means that the Moon dominates when it comes down to phases.

The Lunar Phases

Eight Phases

Throughout the lunar cycle, there are eight Moon phases. The synodic cycle starts at the Moon’s conjunction to the Sun and finishes when the Moon once more makes a conjunction back to the Sun which takes about 29 1/2 days. 

The eight lunar phases in order are:

 

  • New Moon phase.
  • Crescent phase.
  • First Quarter phase.
  • Gibbous phase.
  • Full Moon phase.
  • Disseminating phase.
  • Last Quarter phase.
  • And Balsamic phase

Natal Chart

Natal Lunar Phase

In your natal chart, you will discover that you have a particular lunar phase and it will be one of the eight phases listed above. Personally, I was born during the Crescent phase, so this means that the Moon was slightly ahead of the Sun and is opening up (or waxing) the angle from the conjunction and thus gaining in light. Your natal lunar phase that you were born with stays with you for the rest of your life.

John Travolta

Example Chart

I just want to show you the difference between the two types of lunar phase. I will use the example of John Travolta’s chart shown below. In this bi-wheel, his natal chart is on the inner ring and his secondary progressed chart is on the outer ring.

Natal Lunar Phase

Travolta’s natal lunar phase is Full (marked in blue). You can see that the Moon has just passed the opposition to the Sun and so is in the Full Moon phase.

Progressed Lunar Phase

He secondary progressed lunar phase is Balsamic (marked in red) because the Moon is moving towards the conjunction to the progressed Sun. We can tell that in a year or two, he will have his very exciting, and highly significant, progressed New Moon. This conjunction will be in Taurus where the Moon is exalted and therefore well placed.

progressed-lunation-phase

Progressed Lunar Phase

Progressed Chart

The secondary progressed chart is calculated by taking one day to equal one year of life. Example, if you are 50 years old, you count forward 50 days in the ephemeris and that is your progressed chart. This sounds simple, but back in the day, when we had to calculate these progressed charts by hand, you really paid attention.

Progressed Sun

All the progressed planets will move. In general, the progressed Sun will move around 1° forward in the zodiac for each year of your life. This progression equates to 360° in 365 days a year, so it does vary slightly.

Progressed Moon to Natal Moon

Now the progressed Moon, because it moves a full cycle in around twenty-nine and a half years, this means that the progressed Moon will return to your natal lunar position at around age twenty-nine and a half. And if, for example, you are fifty years old, as we mentioned earlier, the Moon will then move once more off from the position of your natal Moon and will be somewhere else in your chart.

The progressed Moon can be anywhere in the progressed chart. If you’re over 30, you will have had a full cycle, if you’re over 60 you will have had two full cycles, and if you’re over 90 you will have had three full cycles. But that is the cycle from your progressed Moon to your natal Moon.

 

Progressed Moon to Progressed Sun

When we look at the progressed lunar phase, we consider the progressed Moon and its relationship to the progressed Sun. As I mentioned earlier, your progressed Sun moves around 1° for each year of your life, so your progressed Sun has moved and the progressed Moon could be anywhere. The point is, that the progressed Moon will still be in a phase with the progressed Sun and this is known as the progressed lunar phase. Even if you were born, as I was with the natal Crescent phase or whatever phase you were born with, you are stuck with that phase for the rest of your life, but your progressed lunar phase changes all the time.

 

Current Progressed Lunar Phase

You need to find out what phase your progressed Moon is in today and you would do by looking at the position of your progressed Sun and calculating how far the Moon is away from the progressed Sun in the cycle. This will tell you which of the eight phases your progressed Moon is now.

Phase Changes

Timing

The progressed lunar phase will change every three and a half years. In general, there are no orbs with phase change, for example, it is either in the New Moon phase or it’s in the Crescent phase. The progressed Moon is never in two phases at once. Only as the Moon makes the exact aspect to the progressed Sun will the phase change happen. There will be frequent progressed lunar phase changes in your life. As I said, it’s around every three and a half years and you need to know when the next phase change is going to happen for you.

Duration

Phase Change Influence

Even though each phase lasts about three and a half years, the important period is the six months just after the phase has changed. Say for instance, you have a phase change on July 1st, 2025, and maybe your Moon is going from Balsamic to the New Moon phase, this would be a critically important time, and it is known as a progressed New Moon. And bear in mind that each of the phases in their turn will have an impact on your life. But in general, the critical time for the progressed lunar phase change is within six months of that change within the three and a half years. I generally consider this an important forecasting marker around when the progressed Moon is withing 8° of the phase change.

Forecasting

What to Do

As a good astrologer, not only would you find out which progressed lunar phase you are in at the moment, you also need to discover when the progressed Moon will enter into the next progressed lunar phase. The progressed lunar phases have the identical sequence as the transiting lunar phases, but now they are called the progressed lunar phases and I will list them here for clarity. I have some more general forecasting tips as well.

 

Progressed Phase Names

The eight progressed lunar phases in order are:

  • Progressed New Moon phase
  • Progressed Crescent phase.
  • Progressed First Quarter phase.
  • Progressed Gibbous phase.
  • Progressed Full Moon phase.
  • Progressed Disseminating phase.
  • Progressed Last Quarter phase.
  • Progressed Balsamic phase.

Important Phase Changes

Pecking Order

Not all progressed lunar phases are created equal and some phase changes are tremendously more important than others, allow me to explain.

One Conjunction

The progressed New Moon phase is the most important because it kicks off a fresh cycle for you. This happens once at the start of the synodic cycle at the progressed Moon’s conjunction to the progressed Sun

One Opposition

The next most significant phase is the progressed Full Moon phase because this shows the complete culmination of all your efforts over the last fourteen years since the progressed New Moon occurred. This happens once in the whole cycle at the progressed Moon’s opposition to the progressed Sun.

Two Squares

The 3rd and 4th most important progressed lunar phases transpire at the two quarters. The two square aspects are when the progressed Moon is square (either opening or closing) to the progressed Sun. The two square (tense) phases are the progressed first quarter phase and the progressed last quarter phase.

Four Eighths

The final four phases are of slightly less importance because they are all set at the octile aspects of the semi-squares and sesquiquadrates. When the progressed Moon is semi-square, or sesquiquadrate, to the progressed Sun, is when these four phases come into effect, and they are as follows:

 

  • Progressed Crescent phase (opening semi-square).
  • Progressed Gibbous phase (opening sesquiquadrate).
  • Progressed Disseminating phase (closing sesquiquadrate).
  • Progressed Balsamic phase (closing semi-square).
moon

Forecasting Skills

Progressions

As a forecasting astrologer, you would do well to pay close attention to any progressed lunar phase change for your client in the upcoming twelve months for which you are forecasting. If your client happens to come to you during a time when you look one year forward and there is no progressed lunar phase change, then you are unlikely to be mention this at all. However, if in the next twelve months there is going to be a progress lunation phase change, it is critical that you comment on it.

Exact Day

There will be a specific day when the progressed phase changes as the Moon makes the exact aspect to the Sun. Generally, you don’t want to mention forecast shifts or things to-the-day because, of course, birth times are always slightly out. What you want to do is discuss the fact that during the third week of October, for example, there’s going to be shift in energy.

You don’t need to mention that it’s the progressed lunar phase that changing, we know that it is, but from your client’s point of view you only need to explain that there is going to be an energy shift related to the actual sign, house and phase unfolding for them.

Interpretation Steps

1. Progressed Moon Aspect Progressed Sun

Look for the exact aspect between the progressed Moon and the progressed Sun to find out exactly which day the phase change will occur. If you have the professional astrology software Solar Fire, it will calculate it for you. However, if you’re using Astra Gold, you can just step the progressed chart forward to find out which day this occurs.

 

2. Sign and Degree

You need to find out which sign the progressed Moon will be in at the phase change. With this sign, of course, you would pay attention to the essential dignity so that you can determine whether the Moon is well placed or not for your client in this progressed period.

 

3. Aspects

Pay attention to all aspects the progressed Moon makes into the natal chart. Particularly look for conjunctions, oppositions or squares to natal planets. Additionally, check the Moon’s connection to the nodal axis within the natal chart.

grow-your-astrology books

Book Recommendations

Secondary Progressions

Here are some secondary progressions and progressed Moon themed books which may interest you.

Overarch

Direct

When you start with forecasting, it’s best to begin with direct forecasting techniques and that means transits as you get a grip on what’s going on up there now. Next, I suggest you move on to solar returns because they’re just an extension of transits.

 

Indirect

Once you decide to move into symbolic forecasting the best place to start is with secondary progressions. And as I say, if you only do one thing, do the progressed Moon because it’s a fast-moving progression. You can monitor the progressed Moon in your own life and the lives of your family members. See how these phases unfold through the cycle and the critical phase changes which happen at the eight specific hard aspects to the Sun, which is around once in every three and a half years.

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Author Bio

Alison Price: Professional Astrologer

Alison helps you uncover your individual creativity and lead a fulfilling life using your own astrology. She shares her wisdom from the heart with a touch of humor. She offers Consultations for everyone and Coaching for Aspiring Astrologers.

If you’d like to get in touch with Alison, you can reach out to her via email at starzology@gmail.com.

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Your Money Planets

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Author: Alison Price   -   Published: July 2025 Your Money Planets Introduction There is not one method for financial freedom that works for everyone. Some people benefit from going cold turkey and cutting up their credit cards but that only works for a few. Others...

Astrological Forecasting Techniques

Astrological Forecasting Techniques

by

Astrological Forecasting: Overview

Astrological forecasting is a popular use for astrology and many people come to astrology exactly for the predictions you can get.

But not all forecasting techniques are created equal. Some are easy to understand and some are more complex.

Forecasting is in two broad sectors, the direct forecasting methods and the indirect forecasting techniques.

Direct Forecasting

Direct forecasting techniques use the current positions of the planets in the sky as we speak. You need an ephemeris for transit work.

Examples of direct forecasting techniques are:

Indirect Forecasting

The indirect forecasting techniques are often those that equate one day’s planetary movement to one year of life. They are also known as symbolic forecasting techniques.

Examples of indirect forecasting techniques are:

  • Secondary progressions
  • Solar arc directions (Venus arc directions etc.)

Forecasting Techniques You Need to Know

Most astrology students learn the forecasting techniques in the following order:

  1. Transits
  2. Secondary progressions
  3. Eclipses
  4. Solar returns
  5. Graphic ephemeris
  6. Solar arc directions
  7. Other (primary directions, firdaria etc.)

Learn to Love Transits

It is common to learn transits first.

Many astrologers only use transits as they are easier to learn. Every Sun sign horoscope column relies on transits only and this makes transits the most popular forecasting method in any astrologer’s repertoire.

 

“Transits are the most popular forecasting method.”

 

If you work on several charts and need to do the forecasting then if you know that Uranus will change signs into Taurus in May 2018 it will do so for everyone.

Once you know a transit movement you can use that knowledge for every single chart you every look at. This makes transits the go to astrological forecasting technique.

Everyone needs to know transits.

Secondary Progressions

The second most popular forecasting technique is conveniently called secondary progressions.

In this case, the movement of a planet for each day of life from birth is symbolised as the corresponding yearly movement.

If you are thirty-three then you will cast a secondary progressed chart for the thirty-third day after your birthday and use the planet’s positions that day to cast the secondary progressed chart.

Each person’s secondary progressed chart is different. No two are the same unless you were born at the same time, date and place.

This means it is more work for the astrologer because it is almost as another chart to read. Professional astrologers will probably use secondary progressions for your full forecasting picture.

Solar Returns

In a solar return chart you cast a chart each year for the exact time the Sun returns to its natal position.

If your birth Sun is at 15 degrees 45 minutes of Virgo then each year when the Sun returns to the precise position you cast another chart.

Each year you will have a new solar return chart.

People with the same birth date (but not the same year) will have similar solar return charts but not exactly the same.

So, everyone born on September 15th will have the Moon here and Venus there in their solar return chart but the ascendant will be different.

This makes solar return charts popular as they are based on the transits of the day and astrologers know where the Sun and Moon are and the other planets.

Graphic Ephemeris

The graphic ephemeris is a special diagram that has to be read by the astrologer and it typically shows the superior planets and their cycles over a year or two. See image.

This is probably the most useful tool I personally use in my astrological forecasting.

Eclipses

Solar and lunar eclipses are transits and are special due to the close alignment of the Sun, Moon and the Earth on the eclipse day.

Eclipses can be further broken down into:

  • General eclipse forecasts
  • Personal eclipse forecasts
  • Collective eclipse forecasts

Solar Arc Directions

In solar arc directed charts you take the progressed movement of the Sun (as found in the secondary progressed chart) and add the longitudinal measurement to all the planets positions at birth. From this you will create a new chart called the solar arc directed chart.

From this you will create a new chart called the solar arc directed chart.

If your natal sun is at 15 Virgo and you are 33 years old you add 33 to 15 Virgo and the result is 18 Libra. This is the position of your solar arc directed Sun.

You do the same for the other planets. Add the Sun’s movement to every planet in your chart and find the new placement which will be 33 degrees further in the zodiac.

In a solar arc directed chart the aspects between the planets remain the same but the planets change house and sign.

The solar arc directed chart changes slightly every day as you get older.

How Much to Learn in Forecasting

How much you have to learn about astrological forecasting depends on who you are now and who you want to be later. There are 5 levels of astrologer and you can see where you fit in.

Hobbyist Astrologer

If you are simply trying to learn some more about astrology to make your life easier and more understandable then stick to transits.

Student Astrologer

If you are a student astrologer and plan to be a professional astrologer one day then learn transits first and the work down the list, (secondary progressions, solar returns, solar arc directions, eclipses and other).

Professional Astrologer

To be a professional astrologer you really do need to know at least four forecasting techniques.

They will compliment each other and underline the trends in the clients forecasting picture.

You are a Client

If you are a member of the public and you are looking for a professional consulting astrologer then do yourself a favour and find one who does advanced forecasting techniques.

Ask your prospective astrologer, “Which forecasting techniques will you use when you do my predictions?” and see what their answer is.

 

“Which forecasting techniques will you use when you do my predictions?”

 

If they only use transits be wary as they may not be fully trained in the more complicated astrological forecasting techniques. This may imply they do not have a broad astrological education.

Creative Growth

If you have got this far then you will likely want to grow your astrological forecasting techniques and begin to understand the differences in each one. To be a better astrologer you need to know these things. Forecasting often separates the “men from the boys” in the astrology world.