OTHER IMPORTANT AREAS

Prior to one drawing up, and interpreting a natal chart, there are some other areas, that I think are of importance.

RETROGRADE PLANETS seem to indicate that the energy of the planet in retrograde motion is directed inwards, and so are affecting the psychological profile of the subject, more so than the personality profile. For example; Jupiter direct is about expansion, for the benefit of others, and can be somewhat egotistical, and bombastic; whereas when Jupiter is retrograde, the expansion is of the subject; who, rather than being an outgoing, party-animal type, is more likely to prefer the smaller gatherings of like minds, for the purpose of increasing their own knowledge, and spiritual development. When, through transit, Jupiter turns direct, will indicate when the subject will use that store of knowledge for the benefit of others.

All the planets, apart from the Sun and Moon, will have a period of retrograde motion, the more planets retrograde in a chart, the more an individual is likely to have the ability for self introspection, and understanding. Four retrograde planets is considered rare, though I have done charts that contain five retrograde planets.

UNASPECTED PLANETS are planets that receive no aspects from other planets, therefore there is no blending of different energies. An unaspected planet is not common, and needs careful interpretation, as the planet is likely to work very independently, or not work at all, as some planets in signs need the impetus of an aspect to "kick start" the energy.

PLANETARY PATTERNS. When a chart has been plotted, and prior to interpretation, a useful pointer to psychological, and personality traits can be found by examining the groupings of the planets. Sometimes the planets will form set patterns, like "splash"; "bowl or bucket"; "locomotive" and "see-saw" to name but a few. Parkers Astrology, and "The Art of Chart Interpretation", by Tracy Marks are two excellent books that give an insight into chart patterns. For example; a "locomotive pattern" indicates that all planets should fall within 240 degrees; with no more than 60 degrees empty of the occupied area within the 240 degrees; and a trine bridging the unoccupied area.

The locomotive personality indicates one who is energetic, self-driving, determined, and single-minded about achieving their purpose. The purpose is indicated by the mid-point of the empty trine, [house and sign]. The first planet to have crossed the ascendant, moving clockwise is said to be the engine, and the planet, sign and house indicate the energy which fuels the drive to incorporate the empty trine.

Apart from any obvious pattern, there is also the groupings of planets. The natal chart can be divided into FOUR HEMISPHERES; and FOUR QUADRANTS. The Eastern Hemisphere is to the left of the Midheaven/Imum Coeli axis, and the midpoint is the Ascendant. Planets in this area indicate a personality that is self driving, and does not tend to encourage help from others; the subject will prefer to make their own choices, and accept responsibility for them, and will impress their views on the environment, rather than the opposite.

The Northern Hemisphere is below the Asc/Desc axis; midpoint the Imum Coeli. The majority of planets in this area indicate a personality that is self-reflective and introvert, requiring their own understanding of their own personal environment, before they will externalize their experiences. This is a very subjective area of the natal chart.

The Western Hemisphere is to the right of the axis MC/IC, midpoint is the Descendant. This hemisphere is centred on social awareness, and the majority of planets in this area, indicate one whose life revolves around their one-to-one relationships, where the subjects life experiences are for the benefit of others.

The Southern Hemisphere is above the Asc/Desc, and is centred around the Midheaven. The majority of planets in this area indicate one who is directed away from their own private realm, and forces them into a more objective world and society. Here the subject is being encouraged to utilize their energy for the public good. The subject here is more extrovert than introvert.

When the imbalance of planets, over-emphasizing a particular hemisphere, then an individual can get too wrapped up in the emphasis of that hemisphere, and neglect the other areas of their life.

Along with the Hemispheres, there is also the matter of the quadrants. Each quadrant contains three houses, the initiating element of each quadrant is the first element, as the elements rule the houses; therefore the first quadrant is initiated by fire, as Aries is the traditional ruler of the first house. The absent element is the next element in the series, therefore the missing element of the first quadrant is water, as the fourth house, by tradition is ruled by Cancer.

FIRST QUADRANT, houses 1, 2, and 3, is initiated by fire, absent element is water. If there are the majority of planets that rule fire signs; Mars, Jupiter and the Sun in this quadrant, and a minimum of planets that rule water signs; Pluto, Neptune and the Moon, then an imbalance may occur, and the individual is likely to be too self-centred, possibly egotistical, but often acting without any thought of the effects of their actions on others. This quadrant is more reactive than reflective.

SECOND QUADRANT, houses 4, 5, and 6; initiated by water, absent element is air. Too many planets in this area indicates one who is still directed by personal security, but through their involvement with others. This quadrant indicates one who is ruled by the heart, with little or no thought for the consequences. In general this quadrant needs the involvement of others to help an individual to fulfil their own inner needs, and so be able to function in the world outside their own.

THIRD QUADRANT; houses 7, 8, and 9. Initiating element is air, missing element is earth. With a majority of planets in this area, the individual acts in a way that is the direct opposite of the first quadrant. Here the subject will have little thought for their own personal and exclusive needs; but will emphasize their own social involvement, and the needs of those around them. An individual can be too open and receptive for their own good, and unable to resist demands from those around them.

FOURTH QUADRANT; houses 10, 11, and 12. Initiating element is earth, and absent element is fire. Here the individual is encourage to seek personal involvement, for their own benefit; but directed in a way that is for worldly good. All the while the subject continues to gain support for his actions from others, then they will persevere in an unselfish, humane manner.

[BIL TIERNAY has written a book, titled "Dynamics of Aspect Analysis". I have found this book very useful, when interpreting the aspects; retrograde and unaspected planets, the hemispheres and the quadrants].

PLOTTING A NATAL CHART

Before starting to plot a natal chart, one must decide which house system to use. I prefer the "Equal House" system. This is the oldest system, and, for me works best, as I do place emphasise on the hemispheres and quadrants, and this area works better in equal house. The other popular system of house division is Placidus, which will always place the Midheaven on the cusp of the tenth house; this can however lead to very narrow houses when the Midheaven forms a trine or sextile with the Ascendant, thus squeezing three houses into 60 degrees, whilst the other three houses have 120 degrees.

The starting point before plotting a natal chart is to determine the degree of Ascendant. In English, which sign of the zodiac is rising above the Eastern horizon, and by how far that sign has risen, at the time of birth. This is found by a series of calculations, the accuracy of which is determined by the accuracy of the time of birth. From these calculations the sign on the Midheaven, and the Ascendant can be found.