Astro research
Articles on traditional astrology, the Age of Aquarius, Arabic lots and horary practice.
64 articles
Have you ever thought that looking at tarot cards is rather like looking at the stars? Astrology and Tarot share some of nature’s most fundamental symbolism, expressed in two distinct yet complementary forms. Looking at them together…
Saturn entered Aquarius on 21 March 2020 and will remain there until 1 July, when it returns to Capricorn in retrograde motion. It re-enters Aquarius on 16 December and stays until 7 March 2023. Saturn represents totality…
Having explored Maternus’ accounts of the fate of those born with an earth or air sign rising, we now present excerpts from his Mathesis concerning the Ascendant in the water triplicity. If the Ascendant falls…
Following our introduction on earth signs, we continue with extracts from Maternus’s “Mathesis”, exploring the fate of those born with an air sign rising. If the Ascendant is in Aquarius, everything the native has acquired is…
In this series, we present extracts from Firmicus Maternus’ Matheseos, in which he describes the fates of natives born with particular rising signs. The rising sign—or, more precisely, the Ascendant in a given sign—also implies the positions…
In the first part of this study of the Arabic lots, we focused chiefly on their nature, their role in the natal chart and the underlying rationale for these perhaps most mystical of astrological factors. In this part, we turn to the four principal and…
One definition describes Arabic lots as astrological factors derived mathematically from three other factors in the chart, such as planets or angles. The distance between two of these factors is then added to the position of the third…
Of all astrological concepts, Mercury retrograde is certainly attracting ever more publicity. Its retrograde periods are all too familiar as times when communication problems and misunderstandings can arise, so it is best to avoid…
This article explores women primarily through the lens of Jean Shinoda Bolen, a student and follower of Jung who devised this classification. We then draw on planetary symbolism to offer an astrological account of the essential qualities of these…
In the earlier articles, which now form a trilogy on the coming Age of Aquarius, we explored the character of this Age through various symbolic representations. In the first part, we considered the Age of Aquarius through the lens of mythology and esoteric…
Having explored the Age of Aquarius through religion, mythology and esoteric philosophy in the previous article, it is time to consider its astrological implications. Let us begin by turning to the traditional…
Aquarius and its age are among the most hotly debated topics in astrology—and well beyond it. Ever since the hippie movement of the 1960s and the famous song “Age of Aquarius”, we have been asking when this “golden age” will arrive, whether it is already here, what…
In the previous article, we explored astrology as a symbolic expression of physis, or the nature of living beings, chiefly human beings. We did so through an account of temperament and Fate, which unfolds as the necessary expression of that unique…
The fixed star Zubenelgenubi, better known as the Southern Scale, is one of the few stars of higher magnitude to have been accorded any notable astrological influence in the tradition. I therefore found it particularly interesting to offer some reflections on it and…
Eclipses have always been regarded as powerful omens, imbued with wonder and magic, heralding great change. This was especially true of solar eclipses, which turned day into night. In ancient China, solar and lunar eclipses…
In my practice, I have noticed a certain lack of agreement about the predictive scope of astrology as an art, largely reflected in the conflicting attitudes people hold towards the concept of fate. Some, then…
“The name Algol derives from the Arabic Ras al-Ghul—leader of demons—or the Hebrew Golem. It also represents the fallen angel Lucifer, who establishes a satanic kingdom on Earth. Beautiful and ugly, against God and for humanity, radiant and dark: Medusa’s two faces, one gentle and…
All fixed signs possess the greatest strength, embodying the full power of their element. This is neither the fresh vigour of youth nor the fading fire of advancing years, but the power of maturity at its zenith. There is an energy for beginning, and there is…
Aries is the first sign of the zodiac. Its ruler is Mars, the ‘god of war’, and the Sun is exalted here. In the Tarot, Aries corresponds to the Emperor. These four clues alone are enough to begin forming a hieroglyphic impression of what this sign signifies…
These people are natural seekers, though they lack focus and directness. Physically restless and mentally inattentive, they are born under the sign of Venus’s exaltation, and the Moon, too, seems to exert a strong influence on them. Indeed, this sign seems…
The future emperor Hadrian (reigned 117–138) had already had his horoscope cast by his uncle, who predicted his rise to imperial power. Yet thanks to the reigning emperor Vespasian’s conviction that only his sons could succeed him, Hadrian’s life was not in…
To understand Aquarius well, we can hardly do better than combine the other three cherubic signs. Aquarius possesses all their powers and qualities to some degree, but never to excess. It has the kindness of Taurus without…
Vega is the principal star of the constellation Lyra and one of the brightest stars in the sky. It played an important part in the ancient Roman calendar, as its morning setting marked the beginning of autumn. This brilliant star…
Capricorn rising is deeply conservative, a quality shared by the earth element as a whole. It works within established boundaries: though always active, it rarely strays from the beaten path. Its guiding idea is one that holds perfectly true within some broader…
Astrologers could at times pose a serious threat to Roman authority: in periods of political turmoil and instability, their predictions could sway public opinion and turn the masses against…
“Antares, Alpha (α) Scorpii, is a red binary star with fiery-red and emerald-green components, near the centre of the constellation Scorpius. It is sometimes called the ‘Heart of the Scorpion’. Its zodiacal position is 10 degrees Sagittarius. Antares,…
Ruled by Jupiter, Sagittarius has an expansive and altruistic temperament. It is sometimes called a prophetic sign, since the objective and subjective mind work in harmony under its influence. Accordingly,…
I conceived these articles on astrology in Rome as an introduction to the relationship between astrology and politics: the influence astrologers have exerted on politics throughout history, their relationships with rulers, and so on. For the theme of ‘astrology and politics’, ancient…
The star Unukalhai lies in the distinctive constellation Serpens (the Serpent), the only constellation divided into two separate parts. The western part is called Serpens Caput (the Serpent’s Head), and the eastern part Serpens Cauda (the Tail). Between them lies…
These days, astrologers increasingly concern themselves with the various influences of ever more mysterious celestial objects, deftly finding parallels between the discovery of new heavenly bodies and the “stages” of humanity’s evolution—or devolution. Yet what…
In this article, I explore a fascinating question—Will I find the Philosopher’s Stone?—put to William Lilly by an unnamed alchemist. The great astrologer presents his judgement in his “Christian…
If you come to know that you too are made of light and life, you shall return to light and life. (Poimandres, Corpus Hermeticum) In antiquity, astrology was so closely interwoven with Hellenistic thought and the so-called ‘Oriental religions’ that…
The native’s willpower is so formidable that it can almost put the other signs to shame. Yet this immense strength can easily turn into wilfulness and obstinacy. They lack Libra’s flexibility and tact. Scorpio always plunges straight into…
Arcturus is the most prominent star in the constellation Boötes, the Herdsman. In his account of this constellation, Manilius emphasises guardianship and the responsibility of safeguarding resources, symbolised by the herd: “To those born at this hour, Fortune boldly…
Spica has always been widely regarded as one of the most important benefic stars in the heavens. It lies in the constellation Virgo, in the Virgin’s left hand. A brilliant, gleaming white double star, its associated symbol is an ear of wheat…
In my practice, I have often found that people seeking a natal chart reading have certain reservations about the determinism it entails. Although they want a reliable account of the most important events in their lives, they nevertheless…
Vindemiatrix lies in the constellation Virgo, at 9° 56’ Libra in the zodiac. It is the third-brightest star in its constellation, although its brightness has diminished since Ptolemy’s day. The legend: Vindemiatrix, or, as it is…
Libra is the domicile of Venus, the exaltation of Saturn, the fall of the Sun and the detriment of Mars. These dignities and debilities alone provide a sound basis for understanding what Libra signifies for the personality of a native whose natal chart has…
In the constellation Leo, at 21° 38’ Virgo, this blue star marks the Lion’s tail. Its name derives from A-Danabul-Asad, meaning ‘the Lion’s tail’, or, according to Bullinger, ‘the Judge’ or ‘the Lord who shall come’. Often shortened to Deneb, it also appears in this form…
Mercury is very strong in this sign, hence the mental affinity with Gemini. Yet Virgo’s earthy nature tempers its pure rationality, and its powers of reason are not held in quite the same esteem as those of the more positive Mercurial…
(Decl.: 11°N 58’; Magnitude: 1.3; Nature: Jupiter, Sun) Constellation: Leo (the Lion). This star lies in the Lion’s body and marks its heart (Cor Leonis). It is also known as Rex (king); Regulus is itself a diminutive of Rex, meaning ‘Little…
The fixed stars are what we usually call ‘stars’, as distinct from the ‘wandering stars’, or planets. A glance at the night sky reveals just how numerous they are. Around a hundred of them have considerable astrological significance…
Leo is courageous and self-assured. Many other types instinctively respect or fear Leo, which brings a great many enemies through their instinctive envy. As a rule, those with Leo rising have little capacity for sustained…
Like Canis Major, the constellation of the “Lesser Dog” or “Little Dog” (Canis Minor) is also known by the name of its principal star, called Procyon by classical authors: “before the dog”, because it rises a little before Sirius. The star Procyon, like…
The story of Castor and Pollux begins in Sparta, and involves not only the twin brothers but also their two sisters, born at the same moment. Zeus, that tireless seducer, fell in love with Leda, wife of Tyndareus, king of Sparta.…
Sirius is the brightest star in our sky, visible low on the horizon in late autumn and winter. It belongs to the constellation Canis Major, the Great Dog, and follows closely behind Orion. Sirius lies some 8.3 light years from Earth, which…
As the cardinal water sign, Cancer represents the most active, or fiery, aspect of water—the quality that makes it a universal solvent, capable of breaking down solid matter just as fire does. It is no paradox when…
Betelgeuse is the familiar bright red star marking Orion’s shoulder. It currently lies at 28° 45’ Gemini. The name Betelgeuse derives from the Arabic “yad al jauza”, meaning “the hand of al-Jauza”. To the ancient Arabs, al-Jauza referred to…
Saturn on the angles Ascendant: If Saturn has essential dignity in a diurnal nativity, the native will suffer no harm and will have considerable property, according to the nature of the chart. He will, however, be sickly and enjoy only modest success…
The second most prominent star in Orion and the seventh brightest in the sky, Rigel lies at 16° 50’ Gemini. A bluish-white double star marking Orion’s left foot, its name derives from the Arabic phrase Rijl Jauzah al ‘Iusra,…
Aldebaran lies in the southern eye of the Bull. Foremost among the stars, it is also known as the Follower of the Pleiades. Its name derives from Al-Dabaran, meaning ‘the Follower’. Around 3000 BC, it was one of the Persians’ four Royal Stars, or Watchers of the Heavens.…
Gemini rising marks out a person who functions rather like a machine. They can undertake any kind of work without caring in the least what it involves, and are therefore often immoral; more precisely, they can bring the same degree of ingenuity to bear in the struggle…
THE MYTH AND MYSTICISM OF THE PLEIADES The fixed star Alcyone is the principal star in the celebrated Pleiades star cluster. The Pleiades lie in the shoulder of the Bull, at 00° Gemini. Across the centuries, different cultures have woven myths around them, for…
How often have you heard someone say, “You don’t really strike me as a Scorpio, a Leo…” or something similar? I’ve heard it countless times. Giving precedence to the Sun sign—the sign the Sun occupied on the day you were born—as the determining factor…
Simply put, the ‘planetary joys’ are the mundane houses in which each planet takes greatest delight: those most congenial to its nature, allowing it fuller expression than elsewhere. In this sense, they also represent a form of accidental…
This article grew out of a practical need to clarify how to frame a specific question to be answered through horary astrology. It also offers a useful opportunity to revisit the considerations that…
Astrological symbolism is truly boundless. A single planet’s position in a sign can yield so many interpretations. Often, these can seem contradictory and therefore confusing. But that is only the beginning, for once we start to consider…
Early medieval natal astrology placed great emphasis on the key planets in each nativity. The spirit of this practice lives on today among some contemporary astrologers who seek to identify the ‘ruler…
To explain the origins of the first two zodiacal dignities, we must understand their underlying rationale. There are two points of reference: the Chaldean order of the planets and the solar and lunar planetary sectors within it. The Chaldean order, as its name…
Fomalhaut is a reddish fixed star of the first magnitude in the mouth of the Southern Fish. Its name derives from Fum-al-Hut, meaning ‘the Fish’s Mouth’. Around 3000 BC, it was one of Persia’s four Royal Stars, alongside Aldebaran, Regulus and Antares, when…
These two principal stars in the constellation Aquarius mark the Water Bearer’s shoulders: Sadalmelik on the right and Sadalsuud on the left. Both are pale yellow stars of the third magnitude and are generally considered highly fortunate. Ptolemy attributes to both…
Something I would call narrative-building happens very often in astrological practice, especially among beginners. This is, by its very nature, necessary: a natal chart should, after all, be interpreted as a whole. Yet astrologers sometimes…
