Skyscript newsletter # 7 - March 23 (Pisces) - for sale

#7 (March 2023) Pisces: W

Newsletter Edited by Deborah Houlding

The Sun is in Pisces

– Contents – • Skyscript news, developments & announcements • Al-Qabisi’s ‘Nature of Jupiter’ & Translation Notes • Get the Look: Al-Qabisi’s Jupiter Style • The Part of Wisdom: a study through Morin & Nostradamus • Planetary themes for March • Pluto enters Aquarius but Lingers in Capricorn • Horary: will the 2nd drug make me feel better?

Contributors: Jason Burns • Leena Chauhan • Jeanette Han • Morgan Le Gall Dedicated to Jeanette Han

WELCOME TO ISSUE 7 Catching up after it all cracked off!

Well, February, you turned into a bit of a monster, didn’t you? Remember how fondly I welcomed you (an end to January, tax returns and all that)? You were supposed to be more even-paced. I should have seen the signs: Jason warned of your full-on Full Moon, all loaded up with Mars and he fired up with the red heat of Aldebaran. I actually warned the world (via Twitter) to ‘get ready’. But I looked outwards not inwards; viewing the wide field, so not noticing how this one had my name on it; not noting how that Mars squared the degree of my own midheaven exactly on the Full Moon, as it then zoomed towards alignment with my natal Mercury in Gemini, just as all hell broke out over one of my talks!

My presentation, questioning the assertion that the Whole Sign house system “is the oldest form of house division, and remained the preferred method of determining houses for about 1000 years”, went ballistic after fervent and prolonged attempts at rebuttal which went on for hours and hours and hours (literally) over days and days; though mostly countering an argument I wasn’t concerned with, or based on attempts to paint me as someone who has a secret agenda, so secret I haven’t managed to discover it yet. Since it has caused such a stir, let me set out a little background on how the presentation of that talk came about.

I was invited, in early 2022, to give a workshop and two talks at the AA September conference. I declined. I knew I would be too busy at that time of the year. Much closer to the event, I was prompted to reconsider. One of the main international speakers had dropped out at short notice, and it was realised that the talk of the speaker representing the STA school was double-listed, so we needed to find a replacement at short notice. I agreed, then, to deliver a talk myself, to fill that slot, and chose as my theme the kind of talk give when less concerned about what lies ahead than what you leave behind.

I wanted to highlight the evidence of quadrant house division in ancient astrology that is being deliberately ignored or rejected as meaningless because it doesn’t suit the popular narrative that all ancient astrologers preferred to use signs for houses. As part of that, it was necessary to see where that idea came from, and why.

Now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=I8QSb7M_sN8

“

It is easier for a man to burn down his own Although characterised as controversial, house than get rid of his prejudices to me, (invested in researching the historical development of astrological ― Roger Bacon technique and symbolism) it is simply a very relevant and necessary theme to explore, directly relating to the concerns of an astro-conference audience. It is challenging, because it rejects a theoretical stance that is the main support of a currently dominant, extremely popularised technique. Still, the only reason it feels disobedient is that some of the issues are treated like uncomfortable truths that may not be looked at. In congratulating the stitching of the emperor’s new clothes, the lack of fabric behind it has been too long neglected.

As it turned out, I was right: I was too busy at that time of year. The week before the presentation was one of immense pressure and little sleep as I juggled family concerns with student and client overloads and an overdue newsletter which became my overriding priority. Issue 3 (the Libra edition) was finally completed and circulated the evening before the event, after which I planned to get some sleep and prepare my presentation the next morning, before delivery at noon. (To add: this is out of character for me, I usually spend weeks preparing a conference presentation. But I also had a sense

2

that there was no ‘preparing’ for this one: I knew the points to make; I just needed some energy to make them. Prospects of a fancy PowerPoint were out of the window; but I would still have my knowledge of the issues, which I could speak about easily without needing notes).

So the talk was delivered – in many ways ‘off the cuff’ and not my best performance ever. But the job was done; the hour was filled, and I managed to get the gist of my concern across in a short but thought-provoking presentation that had many angles to it and illustrated many pertinent concerns.

Now, this is the important bit for me: immediately afterwards, I took myself outside for a well-earned cup of coffee and ‘breath of fresh air’ (read: cigarette). As I sat down, I got a sudden, crushing pain in my chest. I wondered if I was having a heart attack. Thoughts of “is this IT’? came to mind. My husband was out of the house, so my mind raced as to whether to grab a piece of paper and scribble “disregard all sarcasm, I really loved you”, to soothe his shock upon discovering my lifeless body sprawled out on the garden hammock.

At the same time, my rational brain reminded me I had barely slept for a week, not eaten that day, and I had rushed around all morning to meet a noon deadline for a major talk theme I didn’t feel fully prepared for; surely, this was not a heart attack but simply stress-induced heartburn. I decided not to bother with the note (let’s leave him wondering) and went to the cabinet in search of antacids.

On the way, I got another crushing pang. I stopped a moment, gripped by the pain in my chest and thought, maybe this really, really is IT…. Just as that sobering thought fully landed, I experienced a wonderful sense of serenity that made my shoulders relax for the first time that week. I took a deep breath of calm air and the pain disappeared as I realised how incredibly happy and complete I would feel to die at that very moment; having been cheated of nothing, and now – “Thank God” – it coming after, and not before I gave THAT talk!

Yes, the fallout from the talk these last few weeks has been too intense and, in many ways, nasty. I always knew that ‘stirring this issue’ would place me in a firing line, with my credulity undermined and my motives questioned (my basic motivation in life is not so contorted: do astrology, sort out family, empty inbox). I don’t feel too emotionally disturbed by any of the background noise to my work – I recognise my role is to present the argument; not orchestrate the reaction to it.

There have been some lighter moments and some eyeball-rolling moments (see right) but overall it has been a whirlwind. When you are profiled so strongly, the drain on your energy and time is colossal. The overwhelming attention generates a massive amount of unexpected correspondence, much of it from people wishing you well and offering support. During this time, it has been impossible to focus on Skyscript and the content of this newsletter according to the schedule I had planned. But the good news is that the ruckus is now dying down, and issues that definitely needed airing have been well and truly aired. I am already noticing a shift in the narrative and a sense of relief in a whole community of astrologers that this issue has finally broken to the surface and can be spoken about more openly moving forwards.

Tension in the house debate drama was lessened by Jerry Ketel’s spoof videos: Star Wars & its sequel Game of Houses https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQft2WtMqtM

“

It’s a shame Deb Houlding created Skyscript. That would be a really great website if it wasn’t for her One of many mind-boggling yet thought-provoking SM criticisms

I want to thank everyone who has supported me through the turbulence of the last few weeks, at whatever level you have done that (even the spiritual support has been positively felt). You have held me upright at a time when I needed my resolve. The goodwill that has surrounded me has more than made up for any negative reactions and empowered me to recognise that there is a lot more good to come out of this yet. It has been fractious, but a change was needed, and change never happens without disturbance.

3

Another major positive is that the fuss brought massive attention to a recently published paper that was otherwise failing to gain note within the astrological community. Skyscript is very fortunate to have Dr Martin Gansten as a member of the forum moderation team. His own exploration of the ancient house division issue is entirely separate from mine and on another level entirely. Over the last two weeks his paper has become the most well-read feature on the International Journal of Divination and Prognostication website ever, with more downloads than all the other papers put together!

Abstract From the ancient practice, implied by many textual sources although never formally prescribed, of identifying the twelve horoscopic places with the zodiacal signs, recent scholarship has often concluded that such identification constituted a tenet of ancient astrology even at a conceptual level. On the basis of a close reading of Vettius Valens’ Anthologies, supported by other ancient sources, this paper argues that while the places, like other elements of horoscopic practice, were often provisionally approximated by sign position alone, calculation of places by degree, with boundaries differing from those of the zodiacal signs, was consistently upheld in principle as more accurate and useful.

Download for free from: https://doi.org/10.1163/25899201-12340029

This is a 43-page, fully referenced, peer-reviewed scholarly work, critiqued by experts in the field, presented in an academic journal edited by the eminent Michael Lackner and Charles Burnett, and published by the leading international academic publisher, Brill (imagine how slowly and carefully such papers progress through the barriers to see the light of day). It is an article that reaches impeccable standards of scholarship. While detailed enough to explore the issue fully, its length is not beyond anyone seriously interested in this issue. I wholly support Gansten’s conclusions, as shown in the abstract above, and encourage all astrologers to realise that this is a position established through careful academic scholarship.

As a way to put this issue to bed (for now) please note the notice on the next page about the change of theme for the upcoming Skyscript member discussion on Friday 24th February; also the new date (below) for the previously planned discussion: ‘Odds on Astrology’. I have declined endless invitations to do podcasts and interviews over the last few weeks – most seem to want to build up the heat with a tiresome angle of rebutting the rebuttals. But I do welcome the opportunity to address concerns or follow-up questions that any Skyscript members have about any element of my presentation, and I’m delighted that Martin Gansten will join me to answer questions about his own research too.

UPCOMING SKYSCRIPT MEMBER TALK

ODDS ON ASTROLOGY Everybody's betting their life on something. ... You just better know why you're betting what you're betting on (Rick Warren)

FOR BODY & SOUL LEVEL MEMBERS

Start: 8 pm UTC– Monday, 13th March 2023 | duration: 75 mins (approx.)

San Francisco: 1 pm | New York: 4 pm | Sydney 7 am (14th) [check other local times on this link]

4

SKYSCRIPT DISCUSSION

Let’s TALK about THAT TALK about the HOUSES FOR ALL SKYSCRIPT PATRONS: MIND, BODY & SOUL LEVEL MEMBERSHIP

Start: 6 pm UTC – Friday, 24th February 2023 [check other local times on this link] To clarify (lest there be any doubt) my work does not champion any particular house system, or deny simplified approaches applied in practice (although it will be interesting to explore this further), but does challenge widely popularised statements such as those illustrated below.

5

RECOMMENDS

6

ensouled.substack.com/s/offthecharts

If you like podcasts (who doesn’t these days?) you have to check out Off the Charts by media reporters Elisabeth Grace (top) and Whitney Fishburn (bottom), two seriously talented astrologers combining intelligence, wit, and charming personality into a highly entertaining, informative show. They are uniting astrology with breaking news and all sorts of curious, philosophical angles. Some episodes are for paid subscribers only but many are free to access – check out their site and tune in while their topics are hot: https://ensouled.substack.com/podcast FEEL BETTER NOW: soundcloud.com/kealoha-cristiano-okalani I usually drift off to medication music but these last weeks I’ve needed something a bit ‘spiritually stiffer’ so that my higher mind can tell my lower mind where to get off. As an act of thoughtfulness Cristiano Okalani sent me links to two short guided meditations he has placed online, designed to balance the life force then lead into prayer (not specific to one religion but accepting them all). I have really benefitted from these and am still playing them regularly. They are making me feel better and I want to recommend for anyone needing a boost for the mind, body and spirit. Short, non-melodic but very effective on calming the nerves. https://soundcloud.com/kealoha-cristiano-okalani

Already featured on Skyscript, this is my last heads-up to check the incredible website of Alexander Boxer. Totally unique, he is breaking the mold and his interactive astrolabe is a great way to understand the mechanics of house systems and how that instrument works (and see your chart in that format too!)

This is a well-kept secret, but when Eric Lusby describes his research on the LOTS as the most thorough work of its kind there is not one hint of exaggeration involved. Highly recommended for anyone interested in this topic – to find the paper go to his blog, click author then follow the link to his ‘essay on the lots’.

Want to recommend a link to an outstanding website, or share news about a new astro-feature or helpful resource that you are involved in or feel other astrologers will benefit to know about?

Send the info to me and I will circulate what I can through Skyscript – info of about 5080 words is perfect!

alexboxer.com/astrolabe/

kleroi.wordpress.com

deb@skyscript.co.uk.

7 IN THIS ISSUE I owe special thanks to Morgan and Jason this month for a great deal of practical help and their strong presence in this issue. Morgan played a particularly heavy hand originating content, including the beautiful Pisces image on the cover. The colours in that image seem perfectly apt right now, with the Sun newly entered into watery Pisces, disposed by Jupiter in fiery Aries, and the beautifully visible Venus-Jupiter conjunction aligning in Aries, disposed by Mars though with many solar qualities too.

We have a strong mix of ‘fire and water’ in the air, metaphorically building up steam (heated emotions actively released through the expression of feelings) but with everything still coloured by Mars in Gemini. Those of us old enough to remember when Mars wasn’t in Gemini know that planet is a trouble-maker wherever it turns up, but as it moves into Cancer next month its expression will become more inverted and subtle, less vocal, and possibly more sinister. In the meantime, martial themes continue to stimulate, even in this Piscean month. Jason’s observation on the cover image identified a detail that wasn’t consciously employed but might be worth pondering since it manifested nonetheless: “the fishes used in the representation are betta splendens ‘fighting fish’, a spectacularly nuanced use of the two fish bound by a cord headed in opposite directions to my symbol-loving mind”.

Jason’s symbol-loving mind is put to good use again scoping out the month ahead (pay attention, he is always ahead of the game and on point). I especially like his association of the Venus-Jupiter conjunction with the celebration of women’s history during March and his thoughtful reflection on the effects of Saturn as it moves into Pisces next month.

With Pluto also dipping its toe into Aquarius towards the end of March, we have a lot going on. Leena Chauham joins us to walk through the major dates of its ingress and remind us that the issue right now is largely tied up with things hovering over borders.

There will be a big fuss over Pluto moving into Aquarius very soon but, as Leena points out, Capricorn hasn’t relinquished its hold over that planet yet.

But let’s return to Jupiter: the planetary star of this month’s show. We continue the translation of Al-Qabisi with his discussion on the nature of that planet and, as ever, the devil is in the detail. The footnotes are fulsome as we restore to Jupiter a reputation for reverence rather than frequent sex; we consider its colours (more sea-like than often appreciated) and conduct a slightly impertinent exploration of the physical profile attached to this Lord of Benevolence historically.

Morgan’s article on the Part of Wisdom then knits neatly into our Jupiter/Pisces theme, demonstrating practical use of that part by reference to two massively important historical astrologers with strong Pisces traits, whose charts are worth looking at any day.

Finally, I have to end this outline with sad news and details of a poignant inclusion of a wonderful horary analysis by Jeanette Han, one of our members who passed away last month after a beautiful, brave life, and long battle against cancer. I knew Jeanette well and she corresponded with me regularly, keeping me informed of her news. She realised she was entering the close of her life in October last year and was glad to have been able to ‘put her affairs in order’ after a life well-lived. A wonderful woman, inspiring astrologer and valued member of our astrological community. I know that many of you will receive this news with sadness and find her horary particularly moving as it details the battles she faced. Jeanette was a strong supporter of this Skyscript project; as a gesture of how much I appreciated that, I am dedicating this issue to her memory.

Deb

8 THE NATURE OF JUPITER Al-Qabisi Translated from Latin by Morgan Le Gall & Deb Houlding

h= Full Latin text available online at www.loc.gov/item/2021666822/

JUPITER is a benefic, masculine planet and the significator of wealth. It produces temperate warmth and moisture, and sanguine airs.1

Of the ages, it signifies youth up to the fullness of age. Of professions, it signifies those pertaining to the law, such as the arbitration of trials and the settling of peace amongst men with a striving for justice,2 and it signifies an abundance of prosperity. And of business transactions, it represents those without corruption.3 And it signifies the spiritual soul, joy, trustworthiness, religion, tolerance, all noble and valuable precepts and much reverence.4 1 Sanguine describing the humoral quality of something warm and moist but not extreme in either heat or humidity.

2 The Latin bonis literally means ‘good / honest / right’.

3 The Latin seductione literally means ‘seduction’, but here refers to business deals where no bribing is necessary.

4 Abundantia veneris could mean ‘abundance of Venus’ (hence the Warburg edition translates this as “frequent sexual

intercourse”) but veneris is also a subjunctive form of venerar (‘veneration’) which is obviously intended here.

0 7 3

If connected to Saturn, it signifies necromancy,5 incantations, exorcisms, &c.

6

If connected to Venus, it signifies the composition of melodies and other knowledge concerning entertainment.

5

If connected to Mercury, it signifies the knowledge of arithmetic, writing, astronomy, philosophy and geometry.

4

If connected to the Moon, it signifies skill in the management of waters, and their measurement, and also that of the land.

If connected to Mars, it signifies the knowledge of medicine.

If connected to the Sun, it signifies religious knowledge and wisdom in contentions and disputes.

Of the quality of the mind, it signifies generosity, modesty and judiciousness. And of religions, many beliefs, and such.6 Some have said that it signifies the liver and the stomach, the left ear, the arms, and also what is below the abdomen, even the pubic area, and the intestines.

Of colours, it is an ashen colour, green and such like,7 and as for savours, it has the sweet.

The size of its orb is nine degrees, and of the days it has Thursday, and of the nights, Monday. The years of its rulership of firdaria are 12, and its greatest years are 427;8 the greater years are 79, the mean years are 45½ and the lesser years are 12. Its power in the zone of the zodiac is in the west.

And Masha’allah said of human appearance: it signifies a pale man with ruddiness in the face, eyes not too dark,9 short, crooked nose,10 bald, with some blackness in the teeth; of a fine stature, an honest soul, good manners and a beautiful body. And Dorotheus said that it signifies a man with big eyes and wide pupils, and a curly beard.

5 The practice of magic or ‘black magic’ involving communication with the dead (or the ‘black arts’ in general).

6 This sentence is tricky because it is so open to interpretation. The Warburg edition translates as “Of religions, it

indicates polytheism and idolatry” (p.67), but that doesn’t fit the general treatment of Jupiter in other historical texts.

The Latin reads Et ex sectis, pluralitatem et simulationem – although polytheism may be implied by pluritatem this is more likely to be describing much belief, or a multitude of beliefs, rather than a belief in many gods. The word simultationem means ‘something similar’ or ‘some such’, but or it can mean a simulated thing (which, in religious matters might suggest idolatry), or it can mean pretence, insincerity, feigned belief or hypocrisy. The latter sense of the word might explain why Lilly characterises an afflicted Jupiter as someone “hypocritically religious, tenacious, and stiff in maintaining false tenets in religion” (CA, p.63). This seems to contradict the broader principle that Jupiter signifies someone who is judicious and wise; however, as Ptolemy explains, the worthy character traits become the source of character faults when that planet is afflicted. He tells us of Jupiter’s association with soul matters: If Jupiter alone has the domination of the soul, in honourable positions he makes his subjects magnanimous, generous, god-fearing, honourable, pleasure-loving, kind, magnificent, liberal, just, high-minded, dignified, minding their own business, compassionate, fond of discussion, beneficent, affectionate, with qualities of leadership. If he chances to be in the opposite kind of position, he makes their souls seem similar, to be sure, but with a difference in the direction of greater humility, less conspicuousness, and poorer judgement.

For example, instead of magnanimity, he endows them with prodigality; instead of reverence for the gods, with superstition; instead of modesty, with cowardice; instead of dignity, with conceit; instead of kindness, with foolish simplicity; instead of the love of beauty, with love of pleasure; instead of high-mindedness, with stupidity; instead of liberality, with indifference, and the like. (Tetrabiblos, III.13)

7 It is worth noting that there is little formal recognition of the colour blue, or purple, at the time of Al-Qabisi, so what

we think of blue was often referred to as a tone of green: “The colours red, black and white are mentioned many times in the ancient manuscripts. In the later ones, such as the Bible and the Koran, green and yellow are mentioned as well. … And so is green: olive green, grass green. But not a hint of blue”. This is partly due to the rarity of those colour pigments in nature, which led to a lack of descriptive terminology, and also meant that “the purple stuff was so expensive, only kings and emperors could afford it”. (See ‘History of the Colors Blue and Purple’ by Dov Michaeli, https://thedoctorweighsin.com/history-purple-blue/ and also David McCann’s article on colour symbolism in astrology, at https://www.skyscript.co.uk/colour.html).

Hence, Lilly’s description that Jupiter signifies “Sea-green, or blue, purple, ash-colour, a mixed yellow and green” may draw more heavily from Al-Qabisi than immediately apparent. (CA, p.22). According to McCann, Marsilio Ficino also associated rich shades of purple with Jupiter and the Sun. 8 Correcting the error in the manuscript which says 428 (an error repeated by later authors including Lilly). To check this out: the greatest years count successive reunions with the Sun in a similar degree of the zodiac at a similar time of year. The Sun joined Jupiter at 15°ä=on 5 March 2022, and joins it at 19°ä=on 9 March 2449, 427 years later.

9 The Warburg edition here reads “a blue-grey colour in one of his eyes” (this is not in the Latin edition we use).

10 What we think of as a Roman nose, but shorter and not so sharp as to be beak-like, a trait associated with Mars.

9

Of the regions of the world, it has Iraq, Babylonia,11 Isfahan and Persia,12 Al-Ahwaz13 and Arcadia.14

h Al-Qabisi: characteristics of JUPITER

And of the parts, it has the Part of Prosperity, which signifies faith and the desire for good things, and wholesomeness, security and participation in works.15 Definitions: Principles: Traits:

Appearance:

People/professions: With Saturn: Mars: Sun: Venus Mercury: Moon: Age: Activities:

Minerals/resources: Illnesses: Anatomy: Colours: Savours: Orb: Days: Years: Associated Part Territories

11

Masculine | diurnal | benefic | temperate: warm and moist | sanguine Prosperity, growth, increase, tolerance, agreement, spirituality, faith, trust, wisdom, generosity, experience.

Spiritual, happy, trustworthy, noble, reverent (modest and judicious) generous, wise, honest and happy with good manners and good general understanding in all matters.

The complexion is tawny (i.e., pale with ruddiness), large eyes, of a colour that is not too dark, can suggest baldness or a curly beard, nose (or nostrils are uneven/hooked and short); good bearing and deportment.

Lawyers, arbitrators, judges, Necromancers, practitioners of dark arts or magical rites, exorcists.

Trained and knowledgeable medical practitioners.

Theologists (spiritual advisors?) Decision makers and mediators (counsellors?) in disputes.

Composers, producers; those skilled in the entertainment industries.

Philosophers, astrologers, mathematicians, writers, scholars, physicists.

Architects, managers in land and water resources.

Up to the “fullness of age” Involvement in theological matters or issues concerning the soul and spirit; advanced level of skill in many arenas and broad interests in many matters. Honest dealings and philanthropic inclinations.

Minerals not mentioned but generally associated with tin or bronze, and an abundance of resources.

Illnesses associated blood problems or increased blood pressure.

Liver, stomach, intestines, what is below the abdomen, including the pubic area; the left ear, the arms.

Pale green (or blue / purple?); ash-colour.

Sweet 9°.

Thursday / Monday night.

Firdaria: 12 |lesser 12 | mean 45½ | greater 79 | greatest 428.

Part of Prosperity Iraq. Babylonia (Baghdad), Isfahan, Persia, Al-Awaz, Arcadia (Rome?)

This would obviously include the well-established Jupiterean rulership of Baghdad. Lilly tells us that Jupiter governs “Babylon, Persia, Hungaria, Spain, Cullen” (CA, p.65).

12 The Latin text in our edition says Asen; variations in other Latin texts include Azpehem, Alpehem and Azoem which is identified as Isfahan in the Warburg edition (p.67, 272), an ancient city in Iran, once the capital of Persia.

13 The Latin text says Alaormes; variations in other Latin texts include Alahowez, identified as al-Ahwaz in the Warburg edition. In ancient times this was the area of the civilization known as Elam – one of the four major regions of Mesopotamia along with Sumer, Assyria and Babylonia. It is rich in oil and is today part of Iran but it is a hotly disputed region of political controversy, bordering Iran and Iraq, formally known as the Emirate of Arabistan.

14 The Latin text says Archadiam; variations in other Latin texts include Achadiciam and Alkadiam. I would assume this to be the Ancient Aracadia region in Southern Greece but the Warburg edition refers instead to Rome.

15 The Latin reads habitudinis profectus – literally ‘ the condition of growth/increase’. In chapter five this is referred to as the Part of Prosperity, Overcoming and Increase’ and is calculated by day by projecting from the ascendant the distance from the Part of Spirit to Jupiter, and by night “the opposite”.

10

11

GET THE LOOK HOW YOU TOO CAN GET AL-QABISI’S h STYLE Pale but ruddy face, short hooked nose, baldness, thick beard, beautiful body, black teeth (wot ?)

Al-Qabisi draws some details of Jupiter’s physical description from Dorotheus, Carmen Astrologicum, V: “If the indicator of the characteristics of the thief is Jupiter, then the thief will be white, fat, great in his eyes, the whites of his eyes will be smaller than what is necessary for it to be because of the measure of that eye [i.e., large pupils]; and their beards will be rounded and curly, and their natures and their gentleness will be good” (Pingree translation, p.302) I sometimes wonder if such ‘points of art’ were founded on a statistical survey of one? Did Dorotheus cast a chart where a thief signified by Jupiter looked like this, and then this got captured as a principle? We are told to expect ruddiness in the face, a crooked nose, baldness and blackness in the teeth –combined with fine stature and a beautiful body! This caricature invokes very comical images in my naughty mind.

Alongside a very Jupiter-looking bearded lady in a 19th-century text on physiognomy and temperament is the explanation that thick curly beards symbolise virility and masculinity. The text reports a well-used saying that nature disabled the female of the species from growing beards to keep the reproductive member of society safe from the dangers of shaving, “she [Moon-like and restless] not being able to keep herself still long enough to undergo the process”.16 Hmmm. Treading between the sexist and racist remarks in these old texts, we find passages that reveal historical views on the symbolism of appearance. The text explains why baldness was “believed by some to indicate power and activity of mind” since … “undue mental exertion, by producing a febrile condition of the head, affects the hair in the same way that a fever does”. In other words, too much mind-power was thought to wear the hair away.

I have never lingered over this association between Jupiter and baldness before. I know baldness to be associated with solar symbolism and heat, and historically linked to masculinity (there is a relationship between baldness and higher testosterone levels) because Lilly tells us the corporature of the solar man is “full of heat, the hair yellowish, and therefore quickly bald, much hair on their beard” (CA, p.70). However, for Jupiter, the baldness is only “about the Temple or Forehead” when Jupiter is occidental, so associated with the latter part of life (p.63).

This exposure of the ‘temples’ with age is obviously linked to the notion of gaining wisdom as the mind expands with maturity, a very Jupiterian theme. Etymologists are not in agreement as to whether the origin of the word ‘temple’, to describe a side of the forehead, comes from the Old English tempel meaning “a place occupied by divine presence” or the 16 Samuel Wells, New Physiognomy : or signs of character, as manifested through temperament and external forms (1820-1875) pp. 2848; 292-3 – online at https://archive.org/details/newphysiognomyor00well/page/292/mode/2up

Latin tempus meaning a mark to a passage of time. Both principles connect in my understanding; the latter supposedly reflecting that hair in this region is the first to go grey or recede with age. Whilst there is a proven (though somewhat complex) tendency towards baldness in men who can grow thick beards,17 there are lots of ancient cultural variances that range between untamed beards being indicative of wildness and tailored beards being seen as control over passions. But without doubt, as Well reports, the majority of historical philosophers “wore the beard, considering it a symbol of wisdom”.

But blackness in the teeth – why so? If we were talking about gold in the teeth, that would make more sense. Blackness in the teeth evokes notions of rottenness with the oracular organ; not a principle that befits the characteristics of speaking wisdom. I look at details like that and think, “give me more evidence, or more reasoning Al-Qabisi, before you expect me to adopt points like that in my practice!”. Lilly (whose accounts of planetary physiognomy surpass those of any other historical astrologer) may have felt the same. He generally incorporates all of A-Qabisi’s points, but not this one.

In fact, there may have been some ancient sense of ‘nobility’ behind what strikes us as an unpleasant image. Ohaguro, literally ‘black teeth’, according to Wikipedia, is an ancient custom of dyeing teeth black with a solution of iron filings and vinegar, which has been practised since prehistoric times. Mainly carried out in south-east Asia, China, and Japan, it was considered a sign of beauty and associated with acts of loyalty; hence, in Japan, in order to do this women had to be married, and men had to be of high aristocratic standing, or samurai. It was also known to be beneficial healthwise, as it prevented tooth decay in a similar way to modern dental sealants. So there could have been some wider employment of this kind of ‘care’ that only the wealthy could afford, making this detail emblematic of privilege and prosperity in Al-Qabisi’s text (or his sources), rather than reflective of poverty and decay as it would be today.

Either way, I don’t intend to be adopting this one in my own chart readings.

In ancient Asia, black teeth in men were the mark to true nobility, they are still seen as a mark of beauty by those who practice ohaguro 17

https://www.mantl.co/blogs/skin-care/does-growing-a-beard-make-your-head-go-bald

12

Wisdom THE PART OF ANALYSIS OF THE PART & ITS USES IN PRACTICE

by MORGAN LE GALL

As the Sun enters Pisces, it makes me think of seers and people who would teach and spread their wisdom. To explore this theme a bit more, I picked up my Latin copy of Bonatti (as one does), and started reading about the Part of Wisdom. As a French native, two notable French astrologers, Jean-Baptiste Morin de Villefranche (3 in W) and Nostradamus (Ascendant in W)1 come to mind. As these men were great contributors to the field of astrology, and one of them mesmerized the entire world, I wondered what the Part of Wisdom might tell us about their success, and how wisdom was promised for them.

I suspect most of you will have a sense of who each protagonist is, but you can find wonderful information about Morin by reading Tom Callanan’s article, The Astrology of Jean Baptiste Morin2 and although mostly in French, you can also learn more about Nostradamus via the voluminous links on the Cura website.3

WHAT IS A PART? At a basic level, a part is calculated from two points in the chart and projected from a third point. These component points or planets align with what it signifies, so the part should give extra information on the topic at hand, such as how the native uses her/his wits, and if the use of it will be harmful or beneficial. It should expand delineation and validate what the natal chart otherwise says.

THE PART OF WISDOM The Part of Wisdom,4 found in Bonatti’s Liber Astronomiae5 is taken from 0 to 8 in a day chart and projected from 5.6 In a night chart we reverse the calculation and take it from 8 to 0. Bonatti gives us the reason for calculating the Part of Wisdom from these three planets:7

“

And it is thus, because 0 signifies stability, philosophy, profundity, scrutiny of the speech and ample reflection. 8 signifies wisdom and patience, and 5 signifies writing, wisdom, and experiences.

1 Before you object, keep reading… I have my reasons to state his Ascendant is in W and not in E, and I’ll talk about it shortly.

2 https://www.skyscript.co.uk/morin.html 3 http://cura.free.fr/mndamus.html 4 Sapientie atque patietie or Part of Wisdom and Patience.

5 You can find a copy online at https://archive.org/details/hin-wel-all-00001949-001 6 The magic of this is that even if you dispute which ascendant Nostradamus was born with, it does not matter in the

calculation of this part!

7 Page 288 of the PDF.

13

MORIN

Let’s start with Morin, a French astrologer, astronomer, mathematician and doctor. Before we look at the placement of the Part of Wisdom, it is important to delineate the 9th house, because the use of a part always comes in as a supporting testimony and should never be read as a standalone technique. The questions we are looking to answer here are: Was he a wise person? What kind of wisdom are we talking about (intellectual, mystical, etc.)? Will this wisdom serve him well or hinder him?

could work against him. The cadent placement indicates difficulties gaining acceptance of his theories.9 Assuredly, his irascible comments on other people’s theories – 7 in the 3rd L8 – would have attracted his literary enemies.10 Jupiter’s main affliction is its applying F to 0.

Peregrine 0 is not at its best and will qualify Morin’s wisdom as serious, rigid11 and unrelenting in his desire to be an authority. 0 ruling the 10th and 11th shows that this wisdom will become his life’s work and that his friends or peers might be instrumental in helping him at times, hindering him at others.12 Looking at his Part of Wisdom, located at 20˚Q, Saturn rules it and is placed in W in the 12th. So, this further emphasizes the signification of 0 and its placement in the 12th house. From its placement in an air sign, we expect Morin to be curious, wanting to gather and hold on to knowledge (fixed). 0 gives a well-structured, almost scientific-like flavour. It's all about rigour, logic, observable natural movements, and stripping away what is viewed as superstition or too mythological.13 0 makes a J to the MC and determines the use of wisdom towards career goals.

view with outers

A common sign descends on the cusp of the 9th house, indicating someone who often revises his ideas (or those of others). The e is also placed upon the 9th house cusp, making matters of religion, philosophy, travel, etc., especially prominent in his life. The cusp of the 9th house is ruled by 8, in its own sign in the 12th house. The dignity tells us that no doubt he was endowed with sagacity, had good insights, and probably held his own opinions in high esteem – notice that 8 is also cazimi. This also offers a view of his religious preferences: he was probably following a devotional approach (water sign) and believed in monotheism.8 8 in the 12th shows his discernment and acumen 1

2

3 4 5 6 7

Bonatti explains that if the part is in aspect to 8 or 0, the native is inclined towards a more religious approach, and if in aspect to 5, it gives a more scientific approach. Here, both 8 and 0 are in aversion to the part, but 0 rules it, and it falls within the orb of 5, which is the closest planet by degree in a Ptolemaic aspect. Again, Morin was well known for having rationalized astrological theory through reason and logic, which is just what 5 does. He found a way to extract guidelines to astrological deter-mination, rather than blindly following a set of aphorisms. Note also that the 4 is the closest planet to aspect the ruler of the part, and so adds its qualities to the type of wisdom endowed, i.e., natural wisdom or philosophy.14 Interestingly, aside from his Astrologia Gallica, one of his major projects was his attempt to solve the longitude issue for navigational purposes (8 is in a water sign) using the position of the 4 relative to some fixed stars!

It’s worth remembering that astrology was severely marginalized during Morin’s time. How fitting it is that his part is ruled by 0 in the 12th, a solitary peregrine planet, as he did not follow the norm of his era.

8 8 is F the 3, and being in its own sign, we can imagine that Morin followed the religious views he inherited or that were mainstream in the country he lived in. He did try to prove the existence of God in the first nine books of his Astrologia Gallica after all. The F to the 3 argues for a religion that has one God above all else, compared to a more polytheist approach.

9 All the planets ruling the cusp of the 9th house (sign, triplicity, and term rulers) are in cadent houses highlighting lack of support from the outside world. Also worth noting, his Astrologia Gallica, which is considered a major contribution to the astrological world, discussed judicial astrology which began losing respect in intellectual circles. This emphasizes the struggle he had to go through and why his work was ignored for many centuries.

10 The 12th house also indicates hidden enemies and self-undoing. CA, p.56.

11 He was fiercely opposed to the Copernican theory – for Morin, the earth stood still and the cosmos was geocentric.

12 The ruler of the 11th house is placed in the 12th house.

13 This means he also rejected the use of the parts, which means this article would probably have him rolling in his grave.

14 The 4 as the closest body to earth rules all ‘sub-lunary’ (earthly) things.

14

NOSTRADAMUS

Let’s now look at Nostradamus, French astrologer, apothecary, physician and seer. To be honest, there is a lot of debate about his time and date of birth.15 I’m offering a version of his chart, but I am lacking both the time and the resources to get a refined ascendant. The good news is, the part does not depend on house cusps, and the planets involved do not change much in the course of a few hours.

The 9th house cusp is placed in M, a common sign.

Once again, we have someone revising his ideas or those of others. The ruler, 8, is exalted in Y in a succedent house showing someone, perhaps somewhat conceited, keen on revealing the unseen in a very poetic (water sign) and cryptic16 way (8 is retrograde and F0). His predictions more often than not forebode doom (4 rules 8 and is located in the 8th house).

Saturn being in detriment, so close to 8, gives an indication that what he’ll choose to do with his wisdom will afflict him in some way. His friends or supporters might prove malicious or suspicious of him and turn against him (0 rules the 11th). Or his predictions and almanacs might cause him to end up in jail (0 also rules the 12th). Finally, note the a to 5. This connects his wisdom with work and ancient sacred texts and writings (5F3 in }). It also argues that each bit of wisdom he divulges risks being opposed by people in power.

Considering now his Part of Wisdom: this falls at 29˚M48’ and does not receive any major afflictions.

It is F the MC and the 3, a clear indication that his wisdom will play a major role in his career and he’ll gain fame from it. We’ve already spoken of 8, so there is no need to add to it. Looking at the other rulers of the part, 0 participates in the triplicity rulership and rules the decan. This shows that part of his wisdom is connected to isolation and occult means.17 The 3 is the triplicity ruler by day, reinforcing the idea of wisdom expressed through career and public image and that he will gain some fame from it, since the 3 is angular. Finally, 7 ruling the term is also placed in Y. Being retrograde and afflicted by 0, it does not support the expression of the part too much. In fact, retrograde planets usually have a harder time making things happen. Here 8 is highly dignified so it helps, but of all the rulers, the 3 is most angular and unafflicted, meaning that his wisdom will be best expressed through public affairs, his career, and will make him famous for it.

fulfilment through children. And then it hit me, the 5th house is the house of creativity, entertainment and speculations. Although he definitely viewed his prognostications as more than entertainment, he got very famous through his almanacs during his lifetime.18 A more poetic interpretation could also be that he acted as an ‘ambassador’ for the stars.19 Similar to how Manilius uses k as a derivative point,20 we might use this Part as a starting point to derive more information from turned houses. For example, taking an ‘equal house’ approach, with the Part at 29˚48’M, the turned 2nd begins at 29˚48’}, the turned 3rd at the end of Q, etc. We see 6 is at the beginning of Q, placing it in the turned 2nd, indicating that wisdom will profit the native financially. Note how both malefics are in the turned 7th house from the part. This is a sign that adversity and oppression will befall him on account of the way he expresses his wisdom.

We may wonder why Morin was more of a scholar while Nostradamus was more of a seer. I think the placement of the part and its ruler can help us define that. In both cases 8 and 0 are conjoined, but in Morin’s case 0 rules the part and, by nature, represents the great teacher of experience, bringing a sense of discipline and control. In Nostradamus’s case 8 rules the part, and it brings a sense of expansion beyond what is purely physical. It represents religious figures, such as prophets, and by extension, anyone who reveals hidden and future things by their connection to the divine, like seers do.

I pondered a long time over why so many of the planets were located in the 5th house since Nostradamus did not strike me as a man searching

8 9 10 11 12 13 1

15

15 Notice that 5 is retrograde and combust. This is a nice image for records or the recounting of information that is muddied and uncertain. I’m using Pisces rising, but the degree is hypothetical.

16 His quatrains were written in a mix of French, Provencal, and Latin which opens them up to various interpretation.

17 0 in detriment speaks of isolation, and in a Lunar sign, methods like scrying or dream work would be fitting.

18 His Prophecies really picked up most attention after his death and are still a source of interest for many today.

19 CA, p.53.

20 Astronomica, III 43-159.

view with outers

16

A SIDE NOTE ON NOSTRADAMUS’S NATIVITY

The time we have is ‘around noon’.21 This is better than nothing, but still leaves us with two possible ascendants. Depending on what we choose, houses will change, and to make it a quick argument, I’ll mainly focus my analysis on the Asc/Dsc axis.

W rising goes hand-in-hand with Nostradamus’s prophetic side. 8, also ruling the 9th house, is exalted in the 4th/5th house, showing him interested in treasures22 or more broadly anything hidden. Physically, he is described as shorter than average with a robust stature, large forehead, vermillion cheeks, and a full beard.23 M would be ruling both his 9th and 10th houses re-enforcing the symbolism of the seer as a way of life.

The 3 in the 10th indicates fame in the profession, in connection to 6th house matters (he practiced as a physician and apothecary). 5F3 is reminiscent of astrology as a profession, but really could indicate someone acting as a messenger, translating symbols and signs. By ruling the 7th house, 5 also intimates that his status and fortune increased through his relationships, most likely because of one of his wives.

Nostradamus had two wives, which fits the symbolism of a common sign on the descendant. The first wife passed shortly after they got married and their two children died with her (what happened is unclear, but sources report the plague as the most likely cause).24 Note the debilitated 4 in the 8th; the affliction of ' in the 7th, and 5, ruler of the 7th house, combust, a classic testimony of death. The second wife was a rich widow (5F3) and gave him six children. One boy became a captain, one a writer and the last one a monk (8, 0 and 7 are in the 5th house). Of the girls, little information is known, but one of them remained unmarried (0).

The second marriage took place on the 11th of November, 1547.25 In the 1546 solar return shown above, the annual ascendant was transiting I, the sign on the cusp of his natal 7th house. Transiting 5 was F the natal 3 (public status), and the transiting 4, natural significator of wives, was conjunct the natal 7th cusp.

This is obviously a quick and dirty example to show that W rising could work. More research and events are needed to refine the ascendant degree with more certainty.

21 Huchon, M., Nostradamus. GALLIMARD (2021), p.34.

22 Ibid., p.234.

23 Ibid., pp.9-10.

24 Ibid., p.72; the Moon, as general significator of wives, and as ruler of the 5th house is placed in the 8th house in Scorpio,

suggesting that at least one of his wives and/or children would pass away during his lifetime.

25 Ibid., p.74.

INTERPRETING PARTS

17

Morgan Le Gall, a French native now based in the USA, has been involved with astrology since 2011. His main focus is on traditional techniques, with an emphasis on Medieval and Renaissance astrology.

With Venus conjunct his lord of the 10th house, Mercury, in a water sign, you will often find him working his artistic skills. Aside from his passion for art, he is also passionate about languages and translation.

Morgan started reading tarot and interpreting the I-Ching pretty young, but quickly focused most of his time studying astrology. He holds the STA’s Masters Level Horary Diploma and also works as a parttime tutor for the STA. You can contact Morgan by email at: morganlg.astro@gmail.com

Two visionary astronomers with

3 in W

Part of Wisdom Copernicus: 10°O33 (a6) Galileo: 16°W43 (F5)

PLANETARY THEMES FOR MARCH

By Jason Burns

The 68 conjunction in Aries (2nd March) In March each year, the US, UK, and Australia commemorate Women’s History Month, making 2023’s conjunction of Venus and Jupiter on March 2nd particularly timely. With events like the overturning of Roe v. Wade; the protests which erupted in Iran over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini; the highprofile arrest of a misogynistic internet influencer again shining light on the seedy world of sex trafficking, and issues involving members of the LGBTQ+ community’s1 civil rights making headlines over the past year, it should come as no surprise that many are fed up with disempowerment and feel called to action.

Venus in Aries is an apt symbol for this. Jupiter provides amplification and benevolence, so expect these issues to gain further visibility now (especially in Iran which has a particularly ‘hot’ Aries ingress, see ahead). Under these benefics, peaceful protests and court decisions could also dominate the headlines. On an individual level, this is an excellent time to support charitable organizations dedicated to these causes.

The Full Moon (7th March) As the Full Moon on March 7th perfects, the luminaries turn their attention to Mars, applying squares from relatively passive signs to the red planet in a highly mobilized one.

Defensive or de-escalation measures are suggested by the cold, nocturnal sign placements of the Sun and Moon, and Jupiter’s behind-the-scenes antiscial conjunction with the Moon reinforces the symbolism of temperance and protection.2 The lunation’s ruling planets, Mercury (trading) and Jupiter (wealth) reveal financial markets and transactions to be a source of this equation, at least in part. With Mercury debilitated and entering combustion, covert or fraudulent activity isn’t out of the question.

Saturn’s ingress in Pisces (7th March)

The inner bi-wheel shows the noon chart for Mahsa; the outer wheel shows the

strong and violent transit alignments of the noon positions on 16 September Saturn signifies landowners, farmers, miners, 2022, when she died in Tehran, after being arrested by Iran’s morality police and trades that draw from the resources of the for breaking hijab rules. Her death sparked the Mahsa Amini protests, a earth or the management of water. Recently, nationwide movement protesting the Islamic republic‘s treatment of women. ‘water stress’ has forced numerous farms worldwide to reassess their strategic decisions, leading to changes in crop selection and irrigation methods. Expect global issues like this to gain traction as Saturn makes its way through the water sign of Pisces. Mining the seabed for oil (in cold, distant places like the Arctic) and coastal properties under the threat of insidious sea-level rise are other possible scenarios coming up for reassessment. Saturn also governs deprivation and chronic illness, and issues of contaminated water, water scarcity, and a lack of basic sanitation have exacerbated extreme poverty and disease globally. Perhaps we’ll see calls to address some of these problems over the coming year as Jupiter applies sextiles to Saturn from Taurus.

1 Venus governs women but also marriage, births, pleasure, and sex, and so has an affinity with sexuality.

2 Jupiter’s antiscia at the time of the lunation falls at 16°32Ñ directly on the Moon at 16°40Ñ.

18

HIGHLIGHTS (UT) 6F8 5F0 5→W

2nd: 05:36 2nd: 14:35 2nd: 22:52 Full Moon 7th: 12:41 0→W 7th: 13:35 7K= 14th: 23:39 3F= 15th: 23:39 5F= 16th: 17:13 3K7 16th: 18:10 6K; 16th: 19:59 6→R 16th: 22:34 5K7 17th: 04:49 3F5 17th: 10:45 5→E 19th: 04:24 3→E 20th: 21:25 Equinox 20th: 21:25 New Moon 21st: 17:23 ;→Q 23rd: 12:20 7 → Y 25th: 11:46 5F8 28th: 06:51 7L0 30th: 19:04 6F30th: 22:26

MARCH 2023 Monday

6

4a0 4→I 3J4a5

Tuesday

7

4L4a3 0→W 4K7

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

4L= 4a; 4→U

4

1

4L 0 4→Y

2

4L3 4K6K8 6F8 4J5F0 5→W

3

8

4a= 4L; 4→O

9

4a8

10 4 a 6

11 4 → P

12 4 a -

4L7 4K;

4L8 4L6 4K-

4L0 6J7 5J-

Sunday 5

4J7

4L5 4L3 4L=

13 4 J ;

14 4 L 8

15 4 K 3

16 4 K 8

17 5 K 7

18 4 J 8

19 5 J ;

20 4 J -

21 4 F =

22 4 F 5

23 ; → Q

24 4 F 6

25 7 → Y

26 4 → T

27 4 J 5

28 4 K =

29 4 K 3

30 4 K 5

31 4 L 3

4→M 4K0

3J; 3→E

4J8

4K5 7K=

4K7 4J; 4→E 4F3

5F8 4→Y 4F7 4L0

4K= 4a7L6 4→} 4J0 3F=

4F8

4J6 4J4K8

4L5F= 3K7 6K; 6→R

4J7 4→R 4K; 4J0

4L= 7L0 6F4→U 4a;

4J=J5 4J3 3F5 4F;→Q 4K6 6J0 4F-

4K-

4J=

5→E 4L7 4→W 4F0 4J6

4L; 4K0 4J3

19

COMING UP

5 q 6

" FM " 5 GEE w S Ec 5 SR

April 2023

UT

00Ä00 16Ö07 00Å00 11Ä06 29~50 15Ä37

16:22 04:35 04:47 22:11 04:12 08:35

3rd 6th 11th 11th 20th 21st

May 2023 ;

SR L Ec " SD " NM " " GEW

00â21 14Ü58 00Ç00 05Ä50 00Ä00 28Ä25 00É00 00Å00 13Ä27

q FM 6 GEE 6 " ; " 5 " 0 SR w NM 3 " 5 " = SR

13á18 28Ç56 00É00 00à00 00Å00 07ä12 26Å43 00Ç00 00Ç00 27ä41

q 6 5 8 w 7 3

5

1st 5th 7th 15th 16th 19th 20th 21st 29th

17:09 17:34 14:25 03:17 17:20 15:54 15:32 07:09 05:34

June 2023 4th 4th 5th 11th 11th 17th 18th 21st 27th 30th

03:42 11:01 13:47 09:46 10:27 17:28 04:37 14:58 00:24 21:07

March, when days are getting long, Let thy growing hours be strong to set right some wintry wrong Caroline May (Poems, 1864)

EPHEMERIS

MARCH 2023

20

The Equinox New Moon:

“

In every annual revolution of the Sun, the first New Moon of the infant year is to be considered as of particular and essential force…the student must well observe the horoscope for that lunation…

…and compare it with the Aries ingress chart to get a complete picture of the year ahead – instructs ‘Raphael’.1 What would he make of 2023’s Aries ingress where the New Moon follows so closely after the ingress? I wonder.

Since yearly forecasts are abundant these days, my space here limited, and the study of ingresses needs multiple charts set to specific capital locations, I’ll urge you to take a look for yourself at the nations that are of interest to you.2 My own very general observation (looking at just the aspects between planets of the ingress chart without houses) is to note that the Moon applies a square to Mars and by bodily conjunction to the Sun while waning and under the beams – implying a rocky road ahead for the specific houses she holds jurisdiction over in the charts of nations.

Venus, essentially dignified, is united with the North Node, increasing the prospects of good fortune wherever she resides and rules. And Mars applies an out-of-sign trine to Saturn, suggesting a shift in extreme or malevolent situations is on the way too.

Pluto enters Aquarius yet Lingers in Capricorn Leena Chauhan Three days after the Sun enters Aries, Pluto enters Aquarius. Yet due to its erratic orbit, Pluto spends more of the upcoming astrological year in Capricorn than Aquarius. Mind is almost over matter as Pluto switches between the earth and air signs.

Dates to note: 23 March 2023 ; enters â 11 June 2023 ; retrogrades into à 21 January 2024 ; re-enters â 01 September 2024 ;retrogrades into à again 19 November 2024 ; enters â until 2043

Planetary visibility: For most of this month Mercury is too close to the Sun to be seen. It reaches superior conjunction on March 17th and begins to reappear after sundown on March 27th.

Venus is occidental (vespertine and waxing), visible after sunset through early evening.

Mars dims as the month wears on but can still be seen on clear nights in its occidental phase.

Jupiter, also still occidental, is visible early evenings but becomes increasingly difficult to see as the Sun approaches bodily conjunction.

Saturn, now oriental, remains deep in the morning twilight, and becomes observable as a morning apparition again from around March 21st.3 -JB 1 R.C. Smith, A manual of astrology (1828) p. 226-227,

archive.org/details/amanualastrolog00smitgoog.

2 Ingresses: An Introduction to Mundane Astrology is a great

place to start a study of ingresses, available on Skyscript at https://www.skyscript.co.uk/ingresses.html.

3 Observation data based on Washington, DC (generated via the freeware: Planetary, Stellar and Lunar Visibility, available for download at http://www.alcyone-ephemeris.info/).

In 2023-24, Plutonic themes find expression in two distinct modes: à, cold and dry; and â, warm and moist. These signs have no common qualities to smooth the path from earth to air, and while both share Saturn as their ruler, the essential differences between them are stark. Capricorn is cardinal, melancholic, bestial and feminine. Aquarius is fixed, sanguine, humane and masculine.

The power shifts that Pluto is now necessitating were first heralded by 2020’s Winter Solstice JupiterSaturn conjunction at 0°â. That Great Conjunction was the official advent of 200 years of h-i cycles in air, following multiple conjunctions in earth. continued over

21

The year 2020 also witnessed the renewal of the Mars-Pluto, Jupiter-Pluto and Saturn-Pluto cycles,1 three major seed points which bond the relationship of the most superior traditional planets to the most outer of the transpersonal planets. These conjunctions, all three of which occurred in the 25th degree of Capricorn, seem to echo Pluto’s residual preoccupation with the earth sign, as we see it hovering between Capricorn’s respect for established traditions and hierarchies, and firmly held Aquarian ideals and aspirations. A familiar, tangible, yet depleted realm is gradually being replaced by a fluctuating world and its human communities’ concerns. Aquarian theories, projects and associations are gaining greater mainstream traction. They are also subject to more scrutiny and control.

The tempo of life has sped up a lot since the 1980-81 Jupiter-Saturn conjunctions in Libra. Now, the pace rockets as steady earth is plutonically superseded by volatile air. A wistful Saturn in Pisces might gently mourn the world that once was, but corrupt and outdated Capricorn structures have reached peak ripeness for destruction. Only that which has been built with integrity will endure.

Both luminaries greet Pluto’s grand arrival into Aquarius: the exalted Sun, in Aries, by sextile, the exalted Moon (as it enters Taurus 7 hours later) by square. Pluto will also be squared by Mercury as it enters Taurus on 3rd April, then trined by Venus as she enters Gemini on 11th April. The first MoonPluto conjunction follows shortly after on 13th April. All of these dates will give glimpses of political or mundane themes that can be expected to recur as Pluto retreats, then moves back to repeat the ingress twice more during 2024. Also consider that the zodiac degrees Pluto will occupy this year were traced by the Sun as it stepped from Capricorn to Aquarius prior to January’s new Moon at 1°â (21st Jan) this year. Consider what unfolded for you and in news events in that particular lunar cycle as it may offer valuable clues as to how we all can progress, in step with Pluto, in the coming years.

- LC

One to watch

Ukraine is very similar to Russia – angles are: Asc = 26°53Ü MC = 19°01Ñ

INTERNATIONAL INGRESS CHARTS

1 Saturn joined Pluto at 24°à45 on 12th January; Mars joined Pluto at 24°à43 on 23rd March, and Jupiter joined

Pluto at 24°à53 on 5th April 2020.

22

WILL THE 2nd DRUG MAKE ME FEEL BETTER? A horary chart [11:35am AWST (-8hrs) / 31°S57 – 115°E51 | Regio]

by JEANETTE HAN I am the querent for this horary: a 66-year-old female, I’ve had blood cancer for 30 years. For over 20 years I took an oral chemotherapy drug, but for the last eight years I’ve taken a new, non-cytotoxic drug.

This new drug came at a time when I was told no more could be done to help me; it has given me extra time, and a better quality of life.

The backdrop is that this year I was hospitalised on my birthday (21 April 2021) after suffering heavy blood loss. In a follow-up visit to the haematologist six weeks later, he advised me to try a new ‘combined therapy’ because of a recurrence of old symptoms. This would entail a return to the old chemotherapy drug, in addition to the current, non-cytotoxic drug. I was unsure and confused about the prospect of the new regime. This is the second time I’ve had to face my mortality, so upon leaving the consultation, with the issues heavy on my mind, I put the matter to a horary.

The judgement The first thing I noticed was the overall radicality of the horary in highlighting planets that relate to my medical symptoms natally: the horary MC falls on my natal 12th house Mars, which had recently been hit by the degree of a lunar eclipse, while the ascendant falls on my natal Pluto, which is angular, conjunct my IC. Here in the horary Pluto falls on the cusp of the 6th house of illness, with Mars, traditionally associated with “diseases occasioned by corruption of the blood”,1 opposing it from the 12th house. Both Mars and Pluto are relevant in describing details of my affliction, although the disease itself is mainly signified by Saturn, which rules the sign on the 6th cusp and is placed within the 6th house too.

Saturn is essentially strong in the fixed sign Aquarius, and as significator of my illness, shows my disease to be strongly established and not easily removed.2 In medical matters Aquarius afflicted by Saturn portrays sicknesses related to what Lilly calls “coagulation in the veins, or disturbing the blood”3 whilst Saturn’s retrogression describes a relapse: appropriately reflecting the return of old symptoms.2 These details helped me to realise that this situation, whilst causing me much anxiety, was out of my control.

1 Coley, H., Clavis Astrologiae Elimata (Key to the Whole Art of Astrology); (1676), p.70.

2 William Lilly, Christian Astrology (1647: hereafter CA); ‘Astrological aphorisms concerning health matters’, p.284 (fixed signs

showing enduring diseases: consideration 30; 6th ruler retrograde showing relapse and recurrence of old symptoms, consideration 24).

3 CA, the sicknesses of Aquarius, p.98.

23

Saturn, ruling the 6th house, indicates problems with bones,1 and Pluto sitting on the cusp of the 6th house in Capricorn, opposed by Mars, is descriptive of problems relating to bone marrow, where blood cells are made – my bone marrow now has so much scar tissue after so many years with this condition that it barely exists anymore.2 My body had been extremely cold prior to my appointment, and my spleen, also ruled by Saturn3 had become enlarged again (I was waking up through the night with cold sweats, reflecting the phlegmatic humour of a cold Saturn in the moist sign of Aquarius).

But there are good indications in this chart too, such as the naturally benefic planet Jupiter being angular in the 7th house of the medical consultant and the strongest planet in the chart. As the querent I am signified by the Leo Ascendant and my significator, a Gemini Sun, is peregrine but well placed in the 10th house, showing my underlying vital spirit and heart is strong, considering how it has endured many years of treatment for an incurable cancer. In general, I express an optimistic nature and love life, although the peregrine, Gemini Sun was a true reflection of my troubled mind at the time of the question. I was definitely in ‘two minds’ about the proposed change to combined therapy, with my anxiety manifesting as insomnia, confusion, and a loss of direction in regard to my 20+ year love affair with astrology.

I therefore had a deep concern about the combust and retrograde state of Mercury in the 10th house, due to this planet’s dispositorship of my main significator, its general rulership of the nervous system, and its role as the 10th house ruler, which describes the ‘physick’ (i.e., the prescribed medicine or treatment applied).4 Mercury is in its domicile and making its inferior conjunction with the Sun; denoting an ending, in preparation for the commencement of a new cycle about to begin. The retrogression of Mercury describes the diminishing efficacy of the current drug treatment and the return to a previous treatment, whilst the dualistic nature of Gemini appropriately signifies the proposed combined therapy, with the use two drugs instead of one. I also felt that the MC at 8°T accorded nicely with it being eight years since the treatment was changed from the long-term (fixed: Taurus) use of the more conventional chemo drug.

Looking ahead, I could see Mercury would station and turn direct at 16°T, but first it would retrograde through the Sun’s burning rays. I associated this with a disturbing period of being purged and then cleansed through the new medication (as Mercury passed through combustion and then re-established directness in its motion). I judged a subsequent

improvement with the addition of the second drug, because Mercury and the Sun both move on to sextile the ascendant at 25°U – since the 1st house signifies the overall state of my physical health, this describes the new treatment as having a positive effect on my body. Still, I was concerned about the impact on my mental health with that retrograde, combust planet of mind. The Solar eclipse at 19°47'T, two days later, fell exactly at the midpoint of the Sun and Mercury in the horary, and the importance of ‘Truth’ resonated strongly with this combination: I needed to understand what mental disturbances were likely to lay ahead.

The specialist consultant is signified by the 7th house,8 so he is symbolised by Saturn which rules the 7th house cusp, and also by Jupiter which is placed within it. Both planets are essentially strong in their own domicile, describing the consultant as competent and highly regarded – this is correct: he is a mature man who is well-respected in his field.

Saturn describes him best physically, in the sense that he isn’t very tall, has fine hair, and his teeth are a bit uneven;5 but he also has the jovial, easy-going nature of Jupiter (I would add that he has spiritual interests, with pictures of Buddha in his office and an interest in discussing astrology with me, etc.). He is a haematologist, as befits the signification of Jupiter, the planet given primary rulership over blood.6 While discussing the new treatment, the specialist could see I was disturbed about the likely progression of the disease. At that point, he kindly said I could think about it and wait until I saw him again in three months for our next appointment before making my decision. The Moon, exalted in Taurus in the 9th house, is a good description of the faith I had in my body’s ability to bounce back from illness. Rarely do I think about my health problems, but I do take practical steps to help my body maintain reasonable health. However, it was an exalted Moon: I was expecting too much. I wanted to believe that the disease was not progressing, and that things would somehow change. The Moon’s applying square to the ASC / DC axis, from the turned 3rd house from the 7th, appropriately described my resistance and difficulty in accepting the specialist’s consultation advice, even in the face of medical facts.

I reflected on the fact that the 9th house Moon’s most recent aspect was a square to Saturn in the 6th house, and how the 9° of separation between these two planets corresponded to the period nine years ago, in 2012, when my illness reached its nadir. That was when I spent nearly two years in and out of hospital in Brisbane, Australia. A leukaemia village became our new home; far from our, then, remote island

1 CA, p.246.

3 CA, p.59.

Jupiter is the natural significator of the blood but the bone marrow is the ‘factory’ where the blood cells are made.

Thirty years ago, my problem was that I had too many red blood cells, and over the years that situation has reversed.

4 CA, con 3, p.282.

2

5 CA, ‘Saturn, and his signification’ Corporature, p.58.

6 CA, p.63.

24

home across the Pacific Ocean. It was difficult to ignore the memory of that pivotal point in time when I was advised to go home and live the rest of my life in the best way possible. Luckily, the new drug was listed (also on my birthday) that year.

The Moon’s now applying square to the ASC / DC axis perfects in three degrees, which I assumed would correspond to my next appointment with the specialist in three months’ time. It was actually three

weeks. Inevitably, my condition worsened: I was forced to accept my body’s inability to heal itself and had to arrange an emergency appointment with the haematologist, which took place on June 28th, 2021, 20 days after my initial visit. I drew a decumbiture chart for the time of this event – the MC fell at 29°T: 21° on from the horary MC at 8°T, another noted correspondence with the time frame of approximately 21 days / 3 weeks.

A decumbiture chart is an event chart cast to explore the prospect of an illness. It is drawn for the time and place a person becomes noticeably ill, or for the time of the involvement of a physician.

All of the angles in the decumbiture chart are in the late degrees of the common signs, about to move into moveable signs. This is not only indicative of imminent change to the treatment, but argues a major change is about to occur in other areas of my life as well. Notably, the MC-IC axis reflects the degrees of my natal T-M nodal axis, where the south node sits in the 12th house at 28°T. The 10th cusp of the decumbiture (signifying the treatment) moving into a moveable sign indicates that the new, combined therapy would have its effect quickly, and this proved to be the case, on a physical level at least.

The decumbiture chart showed dynamic reconnections to the positions of the luminaries and Mercury in the horary (see biwheel). Mercury at 17°T conjoins the horary Sun: the drug came to me, and I accepted the specialist’s prescription with much gratitude. The Moon at 22°Q falls on the 7th cusp of the horary, highlighting the importance of the specialist to me at that time, and it trines the horary Mercury and squares the horary Moon: although still unwell, I was clearer and more objective about the reality of my condition. The Sun conjoins the horary Venus at 6°Y in the 11th house of hopes and wishes: I was feeling very positive and could see light at the end of the tunnel, especially as this conjunction was only 3° away from my natal Ascendant.

25

I was keen to work out how long it would take before the drug would improve my troublesome symptoms. Using the Moon for reference, and equating degrees to days, it seemed reasonable to expect an improvement in 7 to 10 days since the Moon’s trine to the MC (treatment) is separated by 7° and its conjunction with beneficial Jupiter is separated by 10°. But I was also persuaded by Bonatti’s chapter ‘On critical days and good or bad crises in illnesses’40 where we are told to consider the place of the Moon for its critical period 7 days after the commencement of the decumbiture when it squares it original position (if necessary, repeating after 14 days for the opposition; and so on for the waning square and conjunction, etc). If the contacts are favourable during the crisis, as they were for me, then the sick person is expected to feel better, and similarly if the Moon joins a benefic without impediment.

This proved correct: after seven days on the combined therapy, my spleen mercifully reduced in size and my nightly cold sweats stopped.

Then, on the morning of July 5th I awoke with a dull sensation; mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Instinctively, I knew that I was entering a period of withdrawal. I fell silent for the following 7 days.

Looking at the transits that day I noted that Mercury, now direct, was at 22°T, exact in its trine to the decumbiture Moon and conjunct the debilitated, horary Mercury. Mercury is associated speech and the tongue;41 I barely spoke, only answering briefly when required, and using emails to project a more friendly response.

Unable to face anything analytical, I stopped my daily practice of reading astrology and began the natural process of strengthening the right side of my brain. Listening to soothing music; meditating, and burning essential oils became a habitual part of my daily life. I have a vivid dream life, but the dreams I had that week were filled with shame, embarrassment, and anger, which I associated with the expression of the 9th house Moon ruling the 12th, in exact sextile to that cusp, applying to malefic Mars in Cancer within that house. Memories of family life came to the surface, as did unexplained bouts of crying. Without going into detail, I understood that I had buried a lot of anger from my early years and had chosen to project an image that denied my truth. Mercury was the messenger who built a bridge to take me back to the past, in order that I could move forward with clarity and a stronger sense of direction and purpose.

Adding nuance to this explanation, my progressed retrograde Mercury in the natal 12th (which was also conjunct the Solar eclipse) will station in December 2021, preparing to turn direct in three years' time. I understand that I have yet to complete an ongoing journey towards a fuller understanding of this important new beginning in my life.

In summary, the chemotherapy drug did make me feel better, physically. Also, the chemo drug might have aggravated some mental disturbance, but it was the gift that allowed me to enter an intense and purifying experience that continues to help renew my love of life and astrology with a fresh perspective, and with a true, honest acceptance of both my life and my mortality.

About Jeanette Han Jeanette Han, born on 21st April 1955, emigrated from Dundee, Scotland to Perth, Western Australia in 1981. She was introduced to contemporary western astrology through a course held by former FAA president, Jeannette Lewis-Hill. Resigning from her career with a major Australian bank in 2011 provided her with the opportunity to spend more time working with astrology and seeing clients. She presented a weekly astrology radio segment in Perth, WA, and spent her whole life supporting people around her and encouraging everyone to “shoot for the Moon”.

Jeanette held the STA’s Practitioners Level Certification in Horary and was in the process of completing the STA’s Advanced Level Horary Diploma when she passed away peacefully a few weeks ago, on 25 January 2023.

This horary write-up was compiled as one of her STA diploma submissions and was previously published in The Federation of Australian Astrologers’ quarterly FAA Journal, Mar, 2022; pp. 15-18.

40 Bonatti, G., Book of Astronomy; Treatise 6: ‘On Questions’ (from the 1491/1550 Latin Editions); trans. B. Dykes, p.424.

41 CA, p.79.

26