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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.

Starzlife

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Starzology Astrology Podcast

Listen to more podcast episodes on the Moon and related topics.

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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Forecasting Tips

Forecasting Tips

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Author: Alison Price   –   Published: October 2024

Information Overwhelm

Of all the questions I get from aspiring astrologers, forecasting is one of the more common ones. People want to know where to start, what to do first, what’s more important in a chart than other things and so on. And I agree, It’s overwhelming.

With forecasting there is no end to the amount of information that you can generate with your software and apps. The trick, really, is to sift through and decide what’s important, where to start and also what to not look at and what to dismiss that you can leave for another day. So, if you’re suffering farm forecasting info overwhelm, I’ve got some ideas on how to focus onto what you’re supposed to be looking at first. I just like to share some of my ideas about getting started in forecasting.

Get Started

I’m just going to cover the main forecasting techniques which are the ones that I use and the ones I recommend you start with. Please be aware that there are other forecasting techniques and you are certainly encouraged of explore them as soon as you like.

If you are just getting started with astrological forecasting, then focus on transits first. Every astrologer needs to know how to work with transit and they are the backbone of your forecasting data. Even if you never learn the other forecasting techniques, always focus on transits first.

How to Spend Your Forecasting Time

Each Hour

Let’s just have a quick look at how much time you should spend on each forecasting technique. We’re going to suppose here that you’ve already worked on the natal chart and probably spent an hour or two interpreting that. Now you’re turning your attention to the forecasting. Perhaps you’re going to put an hour into your forecasting. The diagram below shows that if you have 60 minutes available for forecasting, you want to spend half your time or 30 minutes on transits, 15 minutes on secondary progressions, 10 minutes on solar returns and 5 minutes on solar arc directions. Clearly the emphasis that you ought to put in your energy expenditure on each of the forecasting techniques. It is evident that transits are far ahead, by a long chalk, the most important technique you can do.

forecasting-time-and-percentage

Percentage

It doesn’t really matter if you spend one hour, one day or one week on your forecasting. And in the beginning certainly you will put in more than one hour and I certainly did when I was starting out. The important thing is to pay attention to the percentage of time you spend on each of the forecasting techniques. This diagram clearly shows that solar arc directions are not as important as transits. And you should carefully expend your precious forecasting energy on the right things to start with.

Direct Forecasting

Direct forecasting refers to what is happening up there right now. There are several ways that you can work with direct forecasting techniques, but here I’m going to talk about a couple which I use and they are transits and solar returns. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Transits

Planets to Consider

When working with transits, always start from the outer planets and work in. So first look at Pluto, Neptune and Uranus and then move on to Saturn and Jupiter.

 

Transit Orbs

For all transit work, use a 1° orb applying and separating.

 

Transits What to Look For

With transits, need to know which natal house the transiting planet is in. Next you are going to look for any aspects that the planet is making to planets in the natal chart. Always look at the aspects in this order:

  • Neutral aspects: conjunctions.
  • Hard aspects: oppositions and squares.
  • Soft aspects: the trines and sextiles.

I like to call this aspect set, my “Fab Five” aspects.

 

Planets Changing Signs

For personal natal chart readings, there is not much value in discussing when a transiting planets changes signs, it will change signs for everybody. Unless the transiting planet makes a direct contact to their natal chart, either via an aspect or by a house cusp change, I would tend to ignore this in personal forecast readings

 

Planets Changing House

When a transiting planet changes house, it is hugely important for the person. The energy that was expressed by the planet in the old house will shift onto the new area of life which the new house represents.

 

Retrogrades

Transiting planets will retrograde back and forth over the chart. Each contact is important to show a main theme.

Solar Returns

The technique of solar returns is the second indirect forecasting technique which I use.

How to Cast a Solar Return Chart

For each solar return chart that you calculate, your software will work out the exact moment (time) for the chart. So, solar returns come into effect for each person around one month before their birthday and definitely by the time the transiting Sun has entered the birth Sun’s sign. What you need to do is put in the current place. The solar return place depends whereabouts you are in the world at the moment of the return. So, if you were born in New York and now you are living in Hong Kong, you will cast the solar return chart for Hong Kong.

Travelling on Your Birthday

If you happen to be away from home for your birthday, as I was one year when I went down to Mexico, use that place. I celebrated my birthday in Cancun, Mexico and so Cancun was my solar return chart place for that year.

What to Look for in Solar Return Charts

Sun’s House

The first thing I look for is the Sun’s house, because that will show the trend for the whole year. Each year the solar return Sun will be in a different house. It cycles through the chart in a specific pattern. The solar return Sun’s house is an indication of the types of things that there will be a focus on for the individual that year.

 

Sun’s Aspects

The second step is to consider all of the solar returns Sun’s aspects. You need to explore each solar aspect as it will have something to say about the solar return chart. On a side note, I never look at the other planets positions or aspects within the solar return chart, although you can if you have time.

 

Solar Return Ascendant.

The solar return Ascendant is always an interesting position in the solar return chart. I would always put the solar return Ascendant position degree into the natal chart to see which house it is highlighting Additionally, if you have time, you can do this the other way around as well.

 

Indirect Forecasting

Indirect forecasting covers all techniques where the chart is extrapolated through a time-based count forward. Secondary progressions are equal to one day per year. There are many ways of calculating indirect forecasted charts, but we’re just going to concentrate on two here today. They will be the secondary progressed chart and the solar arc directed chart.

Secondary Progressions

How to Cast a Secondary Progressed Chart

Your computer software will calculate your secondary progressed chart for you. You do not have to enter the time, but make sure the chart is set for the natal place of birth. For all progressed chart interpretations please use a 1° orb.

Note

And for more certainty, this means use 1° of for all the aspects, whereas in a natal chart you would use an 8° orb for a conjunction, when working with forecasting, you’re going to be using a 1° orb both applying and separating.

Progressed Chart What to Look For

There are three main things to look at in the secondary progressed chart, and they are:

  • House ingresses
  • Sign ingresses
  • Aspects

Progressed Planets to Consider

Typically, with progressed charts, you start with the inner planets at the Sun and work your way out through the five personal planets. So that would be the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars in order. Now you can if you wish, work on the outer planets too, but you would have covered those energies already in the transits section.

Progressed Planets Changing House

Look for progressed planets changing houses. When they are within 1° orb of the actual house cusp. In general and loosely, the personal planets will be moving at about 1° year, so one if you use an orb of 1° it will give you a run up to the actual house change as well. These are important as some planets are better placed in some houses than others.

Progressed Planets Changing Signs.

With a bi-wheel, look for any progressed planet changing sign in the natal chart. And again using 1° or applying and separating.

Progressed Planet Aspects

With progressed planets play attention to the aspect starting in sequence with the conjunction, opposition, square, trine and sextile. If you have time, you can work on to the lesser used aspects as well, but I never do.

Progressions Overview

Usually there is not much information that comes through in a progressed chart. You may have 3 or 4 planets changing sign or house and you will definitely consider those.

Solar Arc Directions

How to cast a Solar Arc Directed Chart

Your computer system will cast the solar arc directed chart for you. Make sure the place is set for the natal birthplace.

 

Directed Charts What to Look For

The directed Sun’s position will be the exact same position as the as the progressed Sun’s position. Directed planets only move forward, there is no retrogradation in a directed chart. With the directed chart, you are again looking for the three main things:

  • Directed planets changing signs
  • Directed planet changing houses
  • Directed planet aspects to natal planets.

 

Directed Planets Changing Signs

Look for any directed planets changing signs. Use a 1° orb.

 

Directed Planets Changing Houses.

Look for any directed planets changing house and again use a 1° orb to the house cusp.

 

Directed Planet Aspects

Look for any directed planets making aspects to the natal chart. You will use it 1° orb for this. Look at the aspects in sequence of conjunctions, oppositions, squares, trines and sextiles. Again, you could look at the lesser used aspects if you wish and if you have time, but I never do. Typically, there is not much information that pops up in a solar arc directed chart, but what does come forward is gold.

Overarching

Transits First

Forecasting is a vast subject and there’s always something new to learn, but if you’re just getting started, then begin with transits and fully understand them because this knowledge will benefit you even if you’re doing horoscope work in general as well. For every client’s chart which you ever look at, you will always consider their transits. Getting to know where each of the planets currently are placed is always a great thing for an astrologer.

Starzlife

Premium Astrology Newsletter

This piece originally appeared in our Starzlife premium astrology newsletter. As with every issue, subscribers received a complimentary PDF download related to this topic.

For those interested in receiving such in-depth articles directly upon release, we encourage you to join our Starzlife premium astrology newsletter.

Your subscription to Starzlife not only grants you access to exclusive content but also helps sustain our creative endeavors and operational costs.

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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 Astro Biz Session

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Podcasting and Joe Rogan’s Birth Chart

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Forecasting Techniques

Forecasting Techniques

by

Author: Alison Price   –   Published: July 2024

Forecasting Techniques

Once you can read a chart you’ll want to get into forecasting. Astrology has various techniques to forecast or predict future events and trends. These techniques can be broadly classified into direct and indirect methods. You don’t have to use them all. Here’s a brief overview of the four main forecasting techniques which I use for every chart I interpret. 

Podcast Episode

You can listen to the full podcast episode with me and Arwyne by clicking below.

Direct Forecasting Techniques

Transits

Transits involve observing the ongoing movement of planets and how they interact with an individual’s natal chart. As planets transit through the zodiac, they form aspects (such as conjunctions, squares, or trines) with the planets and points in the natal chart. These interactions can indicate significant events, changes, or themes in a person’s life during the period of the transit.

Solar Returns

A solar return chart is cast for the exact moment the Sun returns to its natal position, which happens once a year around your birthday. This chart provides insights into the year ahead, highlighting the major themes, challenges and opportunities. Analyzing the solar return chart in relation to the natal chart can give a comprehensive view of the upcoming year’s potential.

how-much-time-to-spend-on-each-technique

Indirect Forecasting Techniques

Secondary Progressions

Secondary progressions are based on the “day-for-a-year” principle, where each day after birth represents a year in the individual’s life. By advancing the natal chart forward one day for each year of life, astrologers can observe how the progressed planets and points interact with the natal chart. This method reveals the internal, psychological, and developmental changes that occur over time, complementing the external events indicated by transits.

Solar Arc Directions

Solar arc directions involve moving every planet and point in the natal chart forward by the same amount, calculated based on the solar arc (the distance the Sun moves in a day, approximately one degree). This method creates a chart that reflects the evolved positions of the planets and their aspects to the natal chart. Solar arc directions provide a broad, long-term view of life’s significant shifts and transitions.

Other Forecasting Techniques

The following methods are ones which I never use, not because they don’t work, but becasue I prefer the first four methods I mentioned.

Firdaria

Firdaria is a time-lord technique used primarily in traditional astrology. It divides a person’s life into distinct periods governed by different planets. Each planet, known as a “time lord,” presides over a specific phase, influencing the themes and events of that period. The sequence and duration of these periods vary according to the planet’s position and significance in the natal chart.

Profections

Profections is an ancient technique that advances the natal chart one house per year. Starting from the Ascendant, each house represents a year of life, cycling through the entire zodiac every 12 years. The sign and planets ruling the house of the current year become particularly significant, as they highlight the key themes and areas of focus for that year.

Primary Directions

Primary directions involve the symbolic (indirect) movement of planets and points through the sky, representing significant life events and developments. This technique shifts the natal chart forward by a specific amount, usually one degree for each year of life, to see how the planets’ new positions relate to the original chart.

Additional Forecasting Techniques

Here are a few more techniques again that I do not use.

Lunar Returns

Similar to solar returns but focusing on the Moon’s return to its natal position, offering insights into emotional and domestic themes for the month ahead. A lunar return is cast every month this makes it the most short lived method.

Planetary Arcs

Planetary arc directions, are where each planet and point is moved forward by an individual planet’s arc to identify long-term trends and transformations. You choose the planet for the chart by its rulership of the topic in question. For example for the lovelife use a Venus arc chart and for career use a Saturn arc chart This one can be tricky and you may have to do it by hand (without a computer) as not many astrology software programs can calculate other planetary returns although good old Solar Fire does.

Transits to Progressed Chart

Analyzing how current planetary transits interact with the progressed chart is another way to forecast. I’m not sure if this is a viable method becasue you are taking a transit which will be a progression one day, and applying it to an indirect movement of a planet.

Direct Forecasting Techniques

Transits and Solar Returns

The two main direct forecasting techniques I use are transits and solar returns.

Transits: What to Look For

Transits are a key tool in astrology, providing insights into how current planetary movements impact your client’s natal chart. Here’s a quick look at what to consider when interpreting transits:

Planets in Transits

Pluto

Governs transformation, power and regeneration. Pluto transits indicate deep, often intense changes and the need to confront and release what no longer serves.

Neptune

Associated with dreams, intuition, and illusion. Neptune transits can bring inspiration, spiritual growth, but also confusion and deception.

Uranus

Symbolizes change, innovation, and upheaval. Uranus transits bring unexpected events, breakthroughs, breakdownsa and breakouts and shifts in perspective.

Saturn

Represents discipline, structure and challenges. Saturn transits often signify periods of hard work, responsibility and testing.

Jupiter

Brings growth, expansion and opportunities. Jupiter transits indicate times of prosperity, growth, learning and new experiences.

Mars

Drives action, energy and ambition. Mars transits can spark motivation, what you will fight for, conflict and assertiveness.

Venus

Represents love, beauty and harmony. Venus transits influence relationships, aesthetics, money and your social interactions.

Mercury

Governs communication, intellect, trade and travel. Mercury transits affect thinking, opinions, paperwork, information exchange and daily routines.

Aspects

The aspects formed by transiting planets to natal planets and points reveal the nature of the influence.

Conjunctions

Occur when a transiting planet is in the same position as a natal planet. They bring intensified energy and focus on the qualities of the planet involved. Pay close attention to conjunctions, as they signify major periods of activation and focus on the planets involved.

Hard Aspects (Square, Opposition)

Create tension and challenges that often require action and resolution. Squares (90 degrees) and oppositions (180 degrees) indicate conflict, dilemmas, obstacles, or necessary adjustments. Examine squares and oppositions to find areas of conflict, challenge and potential for growth through overcoming difficulties. Many clients arrive in the astrologer’s consulting room when under a hard transit from an out planet.

Soft Aspects

Offer ease and opportunities. Trines (120 degrees) and sextiles (60 degrees) facilitate growth, harmony and beneficial developments. Look for trines and sextiles to find periods of harmony, ease, and natural development, where things tend to flow more smoothly. Personally I don’t bother with the soft aspect transits as they oftne just pass by. Whearas the hard aspects demand attention.

  • More on TRANSITS

Forecasting Technique: Graphic Ephemeris

I love working with a graphic ephemeris. It is a bit tricky to read to start with but well worth the effort to learn. The Graphic Ephemeris is a powerful visual tool used by astrologers to track planetary movements and their interactions over time. It give a graphical (visual) representation of the positions of planets and their transits relative to an your natal chart.

Understanding the Graphic Ephemeris

Graphical Representation

Unlike a traditional ephemeris, which lists planetary positions in a tabular format, the Graphic Ephemeris displays these positions on a graph. Time is typically represented along the horizontal axis, while the zodiac degrees or signs are shown on the vertical axis.

Tracking Planetary Movements

The graph plots the daily positions of the planets, allowing you to see at a glance how planets move through the zodiac over days, months, or even years. Being on a one page, it helps you to visualize the dynamic nature of planetary cycles.

Identifying Main Outer Transits

By overlaying the positions of transiting planets with key points in the natal chart (such as Pluto, Neptune and Uranus), the Graphic Ephemeris makes it easy to identify when transiting planets form significant aspects to natal planets.

Using the Graphic Ephemeris

Setting Up the Chart

To use the Graphic Ephemeris, one must first set up the chart for the individual or event in question. This involves plotting the natal chart or any other relevant chart.

Overlaying Transits

Once the natal chart is set, transiting planets are plotted over time. This can be done for specific periods, such as a month, a year, or several years, depending on the scope of the forecast.

Interpreting Patterns and Hot Spots

You then analyze the graph to interpret the patterns. Look for when transiting planets cross important points in the natal chart and form aspects to natal planets. These times are then interpreted for their potential impact based on the nature of the planets and aspects involved.

Eclipses

Eclipses are powerful astronomical events that hold significant astrological meaning. In astrology, eclipses—both solar and lunar—are seen as harbingers of change, transformation, and pivotal shifts. They occur in cycles, typically about every six months, and their influence can be felt for months before and after the event. Here’s a detailed discussion on how eclipses serve as a forecasting tool in astrology:

Types of Eclipses

Solar Eclipses

Occur during a New Moon when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, blocking the Sun’s light. Symbolize new beginnings, fresh starts, and the initiation of significant changes. Can highlight areas of life where new opportunities or challenges will emerge.

Lunar Eclipses

Occur during a Full Moon when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon. Represent culmination, closure, and the revelation of hidden truths. Often signal the end of a chapter or the need to release something that no longer serves us.

Astrological Significance of Eclipses

Trigger Points

Eclipses often act as trigger points for significant events and changes, especially when they closely aspect personal planets or critical points (Ascendant, Midheaven) in the natal chart. They can catalyze shifts in areas such as relationships, career, health, and personal development.

Intensity and Unpredictability

The energy of eclipses is intense and can bring sudden, unexpected changes. This makes them powerful times for transformation but also periods of instability and unpredictability.

Long-Term Influence

The effects of an eclipse can unfold over six months to a year, making them useful for long-term forecasting. The themes and events triggered by an eclipse can continue to develop and manifest well beyond the date of the actual event.

How to Use Eclipses in Forecasting

Identifying the House Placement

Determine which house in the natal chart the eclipse falls. This indicates the area of life where changes and significant events are likely to occur. For example, an eclipse in the 10th house might signify major shifts in career or public life, while one in the 4th house could impact home and family matters.

Examining Aspects to Natal Planets

Analyze the aspects the eclipse makes to natal planets. Conjunctions, squares, and oppositions are particularly potent and suggest major turning points. Trines and sextiles, while still significant, tend to facilitate smoother transitions and positive developments.

Consider the Nodal Axis

Eclipses occur near the lunar nodes (North Node and South Node), which represent points of destiny and karmic lessons. Eclipses near the North Node suggest new opportunities and growth, while those near the South Node indicate the need for release and letting go of past patterns.

Reviewing Eclipse Cycles

Eclipses follow an 18.6-year cycle, returning to the same zodiac sign and degree roughly every 19 years. Reviewing past events from the previous cycle can provide insights into the themes that might re-emerge.

  • More on ECLIPSES

Solar Returns

Key Elements to Consider

A Solar Return chart is a powerful forecasting tool in astrology, created for the exact moment the Sun returns to its natal position, which occurs annually around your birthday. This chart offers insights into the themes and events that will be significant in the coming year. Here’s a detailed guide on what to look for in a Solar Return chart:

Solar Return Sun’s House

The house in which the Solar Return Sun is placed reveals the main area of focus for the year. Each house represents different aspects of life, and the presence of the Solar Return Sun highlights the significance of that area.

1st House

Personal identity, self-expression, appearance, and new beginnings.

2nd House

Finances, possessions, self-worth, and values.

3rd House

Communication, learning, siblings, and daily interactions.

4th House

Home, family, emotional foundations, and private life.

5th House

Creativity, romance, children, and hobbies.

6th House

Work, health, daily routines, and service.

7th House

Relationships, partnerships, and significant others.

8th House

Shared resources, transformation, intimacy, and deep psychological matters.

9th House

Travel, higher education, philosophy, and belief systems.

10th House

Career, public life, reputation, and ambitions.

11th House

Friendships, social networks, goals, and aspirations.

12th House

Solitude, spirituality, hidden matters, and subconscious.

Solar Return Sun’s Aspects

The aspects the Solar Return Sun makes to other planets in the Solar Return chart provide additional layers of meaning, indicating how the themes of the year will play out.

Conjunctions

Intensify the influence of the involved planets, indicating major focal points.

Squares

Highlight challenges and areas requiring effort and adjustment.

Oppositions

Suggest balancing and integrating opposing forces or perspectives.

Trines and Sextiles

Indicate opportunities, ease, and harmonious developments.

The Solar Return Ascendant in Your Natal Chart

The Ascendant of the Solar Return chart, when compared to the natal chart, provides insights into how the year’s energy will manifest and where personal growth will be emphasized.

Ascendant in 1st House

Focus on self-development, personal goals, and self-image.

Ascendant in 2nd House

Emphasis on financial matters, resources, and personal values.

Ascendant in 3rd House

Increased communication, learning, and interactions with the immediate environment.

Ascendant in 4th House

Home, family dynamics, and emotional security are highlighted.

Ascendant in 5th House

Creativity, romance, and enjoyment take center stage.

Ascendant in 6th House

Health, daily routines, and work are key areas of focus.

Ascendant in 7th House

Partnerships and relationships play a significant role.

Ascendant in 8th House

Deep emotional transformations, shared resources, and intimate relationships are emphasized.

Ascendant in 9th House

Travel, education, and broadening horizons become important.

Ascendant in 10th House

Career and public life are highlighted, with potential for achievements.

Ascendant in 11th House

Friendships, social connections, and long-term goals are emphasized.

Ascendant in 12th House

A year of introspection, spiritual growth, and addressing subconscious issues.

Solar Returns: Additional Considerations

Planetary Emphasis

Note the planets that are prominently placed or heavily aspected in the Solar Return chart, as they will play a crucial role in shaping the year’s experiences.

Lunar Phases

The phase of the Moon at the time of the Solar Return can provide additional insights into the emotional tone and overall mood for the year.

Angle Activation

Pay attention to any planets located on the angles (Ascendant, Midheaven, Descendant, IC) of the Solar Return chart, as they will have a heightened influence.

Repeating Patterns

Compare the Solar Return chart with the natal chart to identify repeating themes or significant transits that may reinforce certain areas of focus.

Extend Yourself: Direct Forecasting

Below are a few questions to ask yourself when starting with forecasting. You will of course go deeper and explore every avenue for your paying clients.

Considering the period of the next 12 months and using an orb of 1° applying and separating, in your astrology journal please do the following:

 

Transits

 

  • List any outer planet (Uranus, Neptune and Pluto) conjunctions to your natal planets, Ascendant or Midheaven and note the date.
  • List any middle planet (Mars, Jupiter and Saturn) changing house and note the date.
  • Find the next retrograde periods for Mercury, Venus and Mars and note which natal houses they will be in for you.
  • Write one sentence to sum up the transit forecast.

 

Eclipses

  • Note if the next solar eclipse will conjoin any of your planets, Ascendant or Midheaven.
  • Note which natal house the next lunar eclipse will be in for you.

 

Extend Yourself Further: Indirect Forecasting

Below are a few questions to ask yourself when getting greater into forecasting. You will of course go deeper and explore every avenue for your paying clients.

Considering the period of the next 12 months and using an orb of 1°, in your astrology journal please do the following:

 

Secondary Progressions

 

  • State the progressed chart ruler.
  • List all natal retrograde planets that are now direct by progression. If there are any, go back and find the station direct dates.
  • List all natal planets that are now retrograde by progression. If there are any, go back and find the station retrograde dates.
  • List all progressed planets that will change signs and note the dates.
  • List all progressed planets that will change house and note the dates.
  • Write one sentence to sum up the secondary progressed forecast.

 

Solar Arc Directions

 

  • Find any solar arc directed planet conjoined a natal planet, the Ascendant or Midheaven and note the date.
  • Find any solar arc directed planet opposing a natal planet, the Ascendant or Midheaven and note the date.
  • Find any solar arc directed planet squaring a natal planet, the Ascendant or Midheaven and note the date.

 

Overall

  • Write one sentence to sum up the complete overall forecast.
  • Explore all the main themes that have come up through your examination of all the forecasting techniques. Write a brief summary (500 words).
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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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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.