If you've ever been intrigued by the power of horary astrology, you're not alone. It's a fascinating practice that can provide valuable insights into various situations and challenges. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, learning horary astrology is a journey worth taking.
The Apprenticeship of Horary Astrology
Learning horary astrology is much like embarking on an apprenticeship. Even after completing a practitioner's level course, you'll realize that there's always more to learn. Just as in any profession, mastery comes with continuous evaluation and growth. It's a discipline that becomes a part of your DNA, shaping your astrological practice.
The Foundation: Understanding the Moving Parts
To effectively read and judge a horary chart, you need a solid understanding of its various components. These include drawing and navigating the chart, grasping house rulerships, comprehending the natural significations of planets, signs, and aspects, and having knowledge of planetary motion. As you delve into these intricacies, you'll discover the beauty and complexity of horary astrology.
Embracing the Process of Learning
Learning horary astrology is a hands-on experience. It's not enough to simply take a class or read a book; you must actively engage in judging charts and seeking feedback on your interpretations. This practical approach allows you to develop your skills and gain confidence in your judgment. If you're just starting out, I recommend considering the STA's horary practitioner course as a valuable starting point.
Getting Started with Horary Astrology
A crucial step in horary astrology is determining the relevant houses and identifying the rulers of those houses. Let's take the example of a client who wants to know if their partner is cheating on them. In this case, the querent (the person asking the question) corresponds to the 1st house, while the love interest (the subject of the question) corresponds to the 7th house. Additionally, the Moon plays a significant role in all horary charts.
Caption: A horary chart example
Understanding the Significations of the Houses
To interpret a horary chart, it's essential to understand the basic significations of each house. Here's a summary of the primary significations, which may feel familiar if you're familiar with natal astrology:
- 1st House (Ascendant): The querent, their health, status, livelihood, state of mind, etc.
- 2nd House: The querent's financial, physical, and sometimes emotional resources.
- 3rd House: The querent's siblings, communication, short journeys, common people, and the neighborhood.
- 4th House: The querent's home, parents, land, and legacy.
- 5th House: The querent's children, paramours (in the absence of a spouse), sex, games, luxury, and fun.
- 6th House: The querent's diseases, distress, burdens, employees, and pets.
- 7th House: The querent's love interest, spousal partner, business partner, open enemies, and relocation destinations.
- 8th House: The querent's debts, inheritance, or the other person's money, as well as death, fear, and suffering.
- 9th House: Philosophy, spirituality, religion, teachers, distant travel, clergy, lawyers, and advocates.
- 10th House: Jobs, bosses, careers, honors, awards, and judges.
- 11th House: Friends, good fortune, hopes, dreams, and recovery.
- 12th House: Sorrow, isolation, suffering, jails, prisons, hospitals, hidden enemies, secrets, and sabotage.
For further reading on the houses, Deborah Houlding's "Houses: Temples of the Sky" and William Lilly's "Christian Astrology" offer comprehensive descriptions.
Unveiling the Secrets of a Chart
Let's go back to the example of a client questioning their partner's loyalty. In this case, the querent's significator is Jupiter, ruler of the 1st house, while the love interest's significator is Mercury, ruler of the 7th house. The next step is to examine the placement and condition of these planets.
Jupiter, situated on the cusp of the 11th house, indicates hope, dreams, and magnanimity. On the other hand, Mercury finds itself in the 12th house, associated with sorrow, isolation, and secrets. This suggests that something fishy might be going on. Additionally, the absence of an applying aspect between Jupiter and Mercury signifies a lack of future potential in their relationship.
Essential Dignities and Accidental Fortitudes
To gain a deeper understanding of a horary chart, it's essential to consider essential dignities and accidental fortitudes. These concepts provide rich details that contribute to an accurate judgment. Exploring these elements will help you paint a vivid picture for your querent.
In the next part of this series, we will dive into essential dignities and accidental fortitudes, examining the various planets involved in this configuration. Stay tuned for a more comprehensive analysis of our client's conundrum.
Recommended Sources for Horary Neophytes
For those new to horary astrology, I recommend exploring the following resources:
- Deborah Houlding - "Houses: The Temples of the Sky"
- Dr. J. Lee Lehman - "The Martial Art of Horary Astrology" and "Learning Classical Horary Astrology: Examples and Workbook"
- Helena Avelar & Luis Ribeiro - "On the Heavenly Spheres: A Treatise on Traditional Astrology"
- Dr. Benjamin Dykes - "Traditional Astrology for Today"
- Skyscript (Website) - Deborah Houlding's free introductory articles and various other informative content.
While William Lilly's "Christian Astrology" may be challenging for beginners due to its language, it's still an essential book to have in your library. Additionally, you can find helpful online lectures and courses to enhance your understanding of horary astrology.
So, embark on this journey into horary astrology and unlock the secrets of the stars. Remember, horary is not just a practice; it's a soulful connection that allows you to delve into the mysteries of life.
