Two Simple Timing Methods Anyone Can Practice in Astrology
ne of the best ways to understand cycles in astrology, is to observe how transits to your natal chart affect you and areas of your life. There are untold layered timing techniques in Hellenistic astrology. And like the internal components of a watch, there’s an intricate array of mechanisms active simultaneously, each carrying out their own function and purpose. Learning and practicing some of these techniques takes dedicated — and sometimes intensive — study, and there are others you can learn simply through observation.
I’ll mention two simple methods you can try just by watching the transits. First, pay attention to the planets that pass through your first house, especially when near your Ascendant degree (things may intensify). Because the first house is related to your body, appearance, identity, and vitality, for example, planets transiting through the first will likely make a noticeable impact on your constitution and mindset. Primarily, consider the natural significations of the planets, but you could go as far as delineating their condition too.
Here’s a very, very abbreviated list of natural significations …
Sun: vitality, illumination, honor, choice
Moon: reception, nurture, relaxation, change
Mercury: thinking, communication, transaction
Venus: union, acquisition, pleasure, harmony
Mars: strength, defend, action, separation, burn
Jupiter: uplifting, patronage, prosperity, revelation, growth
Saturn: grounding, discipline, limit, work, maturity
Let’s look at Capricorn rising, for example. Mars is exalted in Capricorn and can ignite one’s ambition, energy, and drive. Mars can also bring accidents, cuts, burns, and inflammation. For those with the seagoat rising, they may experience a surge of energy and be driven to go go go. And in the process of this, be more competitive, impulsive, and accident prone, resulting in injuries, fatigue, or burnout. When Venus passes through, perhaps they receive more compliments, have a certain sparkle or glow, hit a stroke of luck, or suddenly get the urge to make a change to their appearance or surroundings. Certainly, you could add in sect (day or night chart), along with aspects and dignities, etc. But just watching the planet provides information too.
Watching transits to your first house is one way to understand how the planets can “grab” us. In Vedic astrology, planets are called “grahas” or “grabbers” because humans are known to react to the energy of the stars down in the material world. Of course, you can track the transits of any planet through any of the houses, but often those to the first house tend to stand out in ways that we experience through our body and mindset.
Here’s a “funny” example: I am a Capricorn rising and Mars is currently transiting near my Ascendant degree. I have a chronic injury in my left hip, which has been pretty quiet for a while. When Mars entered my first, it suddenly inflamed (Mars!) and I went in for acupuncture (needles! Mars!). Following treatment, I left with four needles inserted horizonally beneath the skin on my back (body, first house!), taped into place, to remain there for a week. It’s not that comfortable: they burn and itch, I feel revved up, while at the same time weighed down. But I didn’t let that keep me from my routine today and so powered through my morning rowing workout and evening hot yoga class. As I write this, I’m regretting Mars’s insistence. My hip is fine, but other areas are swollen and tender. Tomorrow, I rest.
I’ll give another example … Last month, when Mars was in my 12th house (Sagittarius), I sped (Mars!) past a hidden (12th house, hidden enemies!) state trooper (Mars!) and through his speed trap. He clocked me with his radar gun (Mars! but also Mercury was copresent). It’s a whole story and there are more astrology details, but briefly, I should’ve been more cautious with Mars in the 12th. After all, it is the place of self-undoing, self-sabotage, and destructive thought and behavior. I was definitely grabbed in that moment!
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