Thank you for your interest in the e-books published by theONLINE College of Astrology!

OCA publishes an ever-growing line of quality astrology books in e-book format.Most of our books are OCA exclusives, not available elsewhere.

Our authors include Michael Munkasey, Carol Tebbs, Ena Stanley, Rusty Withers,Donna Henson, and more.

This file contains a sample of one of our e-book publications. We hope you enjoy it. If youwould like to purchase the complete book, please visit us at http://www.astrocollege.com.Most of our e-books are available both as downloads and on CD-ROM.

Please feel free to pass this sample file along to others, or to make it available online or ondisk, provided you do not charge any money for the file and you do not alter it in any way.This file contains copyrighted material. The author and OCA reserve all rights to thismaterial.

Resellers, teachers, lecturers: OCA offers quantity discounts on our e-books on CD-ROM.For details, please visit our web site or telephone 540-856-3673.

ONLINE College of Astrologyhttp://www.astrocollege.com

General information: info@astrocollege.comE-Publishing Division: ebooks@astrocollege.com

BEYOND BASICS:BEYOND BASICS:Tools for the Consulting AstrologerTools for the Consulting Astrologer

Textbook for Astro 202

By Carol A. TebbsPortions Contributed by Evan Bortnick

Published by

P.O. Box 85 Basye, VA 22810Web: http://www.astrocollege.com

E-mail: info@astrocollege.com

ISBN: 0-9727238-6-2First Electronic Edition: 2003Copyright 2003 Carol A. Tebbs All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced or redistributed in any formwithout the express written consent of the publisher, except for briefpassages which may be quoted in reviews.

The authors and the publisher have made every effort to ensure theaccuracy and completeness of the information contained in this book.However, they assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, inaccuracies,or inconsistencies contained herein.

Cover by Vicky Perrone

ii

TABLE OF CONTENTSTABLE OF CONTENTS

Astro 202 Syllabus v

Astro 202 Overview vi

Chapter 1 Seeing the Big Picture With Lifetime Declination Graphics 1

Chapter 2 Plotting Progressions, Directions and Transits With Graphics 23

Chapter 3 Forecasting With Solar and Lunar Eclipses 43

Chapter 4 Calculating, Interpreting and Forecasting With Solar and Lunar Returns 67

Chapter 5 It's Your Choice: Electing the Best Time for an Event 91

Chapter 6 Relocating to a Better Place to Fulfill Life Potential 111

Chapter 7 Assessing Natal Relationship Potential and Comparing Charts for Compatibility With Synastry 129

Chapter 8 Finding Family Patterns and Interpreting Group Synastry 152

Chapter 9 Calculating and Interpreting Relationships andGroup Dynamics With Composites 167

Chapter 10 Rectifying Questionable or Unknown Birth Times 189

iii

Chapter 11 Rectifying the Jimmy Swaggart Chart: Follow Up to the Practice Work 221

Appendix 231

About the Author 234

iv

AASTROSTRO 202 S 202 SYLLABUSYLLABUS

Week 1 Seeing the Big Picture With Lifetime Declination Graphics

Week 2 Seeing the Chart in Motion - Graphing Progressions and Transits

Week 3 Forecasting With Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Week 4 Calculating and Interpreting Solar and Lunar Returns

Week 5 Moving the Solar Return Through the Year

Week 6 Electing the Best Time for An Event

Week 7 Relocating to a Better Place to Fulfill Life Potential

Week 8 Assessing Natal Relationship Potential With Synastry

Week 9 Comparing Charts for Compatibility With Synastry

Week 10 Finding Family Patterns and Interpreting Group Synastry Week 11 Calculating and Interpreting Relationships With Composites

Week 12 Calculating and Interpreting Group Dynamics With Composites

Week 13 Rectifying Questionable or Unknown Birth Times Final Practice

Week 14 Rectifying Questionable or Unknown Birth Times Final Follow-up

v

ASTRO 202 Overview:Tools For the Consulting Astrologer

Following upon the completion of the ASTRO 100 series ofclasses and ASTRO 201, ASTRO 202 completes the basics neededby an astrologer, to do competent interpretations andastrologically address the needs of most clients. The tools forinterpreting birth charts in the 100 series, the timing techniques forunfolding patterns in 201, and now the life pattern and chartcomparison techniques of 202 complete a good astrologicalfoundation. However, professional practice standards andadditional skills must be honed in the specialty areas which areprovided in the Elective series of classes that follow ASTRO 202from Counseling Skills to Ethics; from Financial Astrology toMundane; from Uranian Astrology to Mid-points. As must beevident by now, the art of astrology is not mastered in a fewclasses. One studies the complexities of astrology for a lifetime,amazed how it all works, and at the same time wondering why thepublic isnt beating down our doors to share the profound insights.

Advanced Techniques for Natal Forecasting & Interpretation

Graphics 2 weeks:ASTRO 202 begins with a study of the various ways graphics

can be used to enhance the astrologers understanding of a clientslong-range patterns from one year to a lifetime. It is assumed that

vi

you already own a computer and an astrological software programwith graphics capability such as Solar Fire 5.0, Win*Star 2.0, orKepler 5.0 that now can be used for the 202 class; however, hand-calculation instructions are provided for all lessons, and indeed,directed for a few where some student and professionalexaminations may require hand-calculation.

The Life Declination graphic is a wonderful tool for seeingthe big picture that progresses the natal planetary declinationsfor 90 years, or however many years you choose. The movingplanetary lines intersect with stationary natal planet lines toindicate parallels. Contra-parallels can be spotted equidistantabove and below the 0 degree Crossover that divides north fromsouth declination. Planets that move to maximum north or south,out of bounds, or to the 0 degree crossover point signal key lifeturning points that coincide with events. Since the declinationsmove slower than transits, secondary progressions or solar arcdirections, the life declination graphic can be especially useful inworking with charts having rounded-off or even indefinite birthtimes without going through the long and demanding rectificationprocess.

Similarly, the wheel format for any of the other techniquesused by the astrologer can be turned into a graph. The advantageof the graph is that the planetary changes over time can be seen allat once. The traditional wheel format for the chart is a snapshot oftime, whereas the graph is a moving picture of time. Theastrologer may choose to view a lifetime of SecondaryProgressions or Solar Arc Directions, or choose the outer transitsfor a year. The choices are endless. It does take some experience

vii

and practice, however, to select wisely and avoid getting too manylines in the graph to see the patterns clearly. Usually, severalgraphs serve the astrologer best.

Eclipse Basics and Interpretation 1 week:Both Solar and Lunar Eclipses signal an emphasis to the

affairs of the house contacted for the period from one eclipse of itskind to the next. For instance, a solar eclipse in the second housebrings greater attention to budgeting, spending, saving and otherrelated money issues. The influence lasts about six months untilthe next solar eclipse that then emphasizes another house, usually170 degrees away on the other side of the horoscope. Lunareclipses work in a similar manner, but signal the emotionalbeginnings or endings of what the solar eclipse brings into focus.Most often the lunar eclipse occurs 2 weeks prior to the solareclipse, but sometimes it occurs 2 weeks after. Nonetheless, thesolar and lunar eclipses work as a team to activate the planets andhouses of the chart.

Solar and Lunar Eclipses become especially important whenthey conjunct or oppose a natal or progressed planet or sensitivepoint in the chart within a one to three degree orb. Of course, theone-degree orb is especially powerful in highlighting the issuesrelated to the natal planet and its own close planetary aspects.Most astrologers consider eclipse conjunctions and oppositionsimportant indicators of emphasis to the houses and planetscontacted, but some astrologers consider all 4th harmonic aspects:the conjunction, opposition and square. Other major or minoraspects are generally not considered when working with eclipses.

viii

Solar Return Basics and Interpretation 2 weeks:The moment each year that the Sun returns to its same

degree and minute in the birth chart (a snapshot of all the planetsat that exact time) becomes the Solar Return Chart. It is importantto remember that only the Sun has returned to its natal position.All of the other planets will have their current transit positions forthat date and time. Further, the Sun returns to its natal positioneach year, but not at the same time as your birth, so different chartangles and planetary placements will occur. Any planet falling inangular houses becomes in focus for the year. Planets on angles,and to a lesser extent on cusps, become especially high in focus.Needless to say, closely aspected planetary configurationsinvolving the angles are of major importance.

Electional Basics and Interpretation 1 week:When a client is planning a wedding, signing a major

contract or planning a major event of any sort, an astrologer canprovide a good date and time for the beginning of the venture toensure likely success. Of course the perfect electional chart doesnot exist, but within the time window available and the priorities ofthe client, the astrologer can provide one to several appropriatetimes. A good ephemeris is handy for selecting the best day, butcareful work is needed to place the event at a time when theMidheaven and Ascendant and Moon make good aspects.Further, the astrologer considers the term of the event such as aconference lasting several days and chooses a date and time thatthe faster moving Moon, Midheaven and Ascendant do not moveinto conflict during the time framework of the event.

ix

Relocation Basics and Interpretation 1 week:It is not unusual for a client to seek assistance in selecting a

good place to move that highlights his best potential. For instance,a morning birth located in the USA Mid-West with the Sun/Venusconjunct the 12th cusp, when moved to the West Coast, the sameSun/Venus moves to conjunct the Ascendant. Clearly, theindividual has a much better opportunity for creative self-expression when located on the West Coast. Using relocationtechniques, other planets can be placed on an angle to highlightthe clients interest. If the client is a writer, he may want Mercuryprominently placed in the relocation, etc. It is always important tobe fully aware of the close aspect natal patterns to avoid troublespots while at the same time bringing planets to the forefront byrelocation.

Chart Comparison Techniques for Determining Compatibility

Synastry Basics and Interpretation 3 weeks:Synastry techniques focus on the various purposes for

comparing two or more charts that range from partners seekingcompatibility advice, to workers choosing a new company, tofamily members searching for common grounds ofcommunication. Basic synastry construction sets one chart in thecenter, while one or more other charts are set around it, in thecontext of the center chart. The Midheaven and Ascendant of theouter chart(s) are also placed within the context of the centralchart. The charts are then examined by analyzing the planetarycontacts and patterns formed between the charts.

ASTRO 202 provides practice in both the synastry of

x

personal relationship comparison and the synastry of multiplechart comparison for delving into family patterns or groupdynamics.

Composite Basics and Interpretation 2 weeks:While Synastry is the comparison between two or more

individual horoscopes, the Composite is a completely new chartbased upon a synthesis of two or more charts to arrive at themidpoints between the planets of the individual(s). The 15 degreeAries Sun of one and the 15 degree Gemini Sun of the other find amid-point at 15 degrees of Taurus, and so on for each planet.Calculation can become quite complicated, and a basicunderstanding of midpoints is needed, but an astrology computerprogram is allowed to get confirmation of your calculations.

Techniques for Rectification of Questionable and Unknown Birth Times

Rectification Practice and Interpretation 2 weeks:Nowadays most births occur in hospitals, and most hospitals

record birth time with reasonable accuracy. However in somecases, the client does not know his birth time and may haveexhausted all avenues for finding it; in other cases, life eventsconsistently do not line up with the timing of movement of planetsto angles, or angles to planets and rectification is the process theastrologer uses to make time determinations and adjustments.Only rarely necessary in consulting work, rectification is theultimate test of the astrologers timing and forecasting skills.

xi

Library Building and Supplemental Reading (Optional)

Robert Blaschke, Astrology: A Language of Life, Vol. IProgressions, Earthwalk School of Astrology, 1998, pp.137

Bernadette Brady, Predictive Astrology: The Eagle and theLark, Samuel Weiser, 1999, 367 pps.

Zipporah Dobyns & Maritha Pottenger, Unveiling YourFuture: Progressions Made Easy, ACS Publications, 1998, pp. 310

Robert Hand, Planets In Composite: Analyzing HumanRelationships, Para Research, Inc., 1975, pp 366

Edith Hathaway, Navigating By the Stars, LlewelynPublications, 1991, pp. 295

Jim Lewis & Ariel Guttman, The Astro*Carto*Graphy Bookof Maps, Llewelyn Publications, pp. 300

Marion March & Joan McEvers, The Only Way to LearnAbout Relationships, Vol. 5, ACS Publications, San Diego, CA,1992, pp. 213

Marion March & Joan McEvers, The Only Way to LearnAbout Tomorrow, Vol. 4, ACS Publications, San Diego, CA, 1988,pp.261

xii

Marion March & Joan McEvers, The Only Way to LearnAbout Horary and Electional Astrology, Vol. 6, ACS Publications,San Diego, CA, 1992, pp. 223

Carol Rushman, The Art of Predictive Astrology: ForecastingYour Life Events, Llewelyn Publications, 2002, pp. 272

Erin Sullivan, Dynasty, The Astrology of Family Dynamics,available through Astrolabe, www.alabe.com, 1998.

Celeste Teal, Identifying Planetary Triggers: AstrologicalTechniques for Prediction, Llewellyn Publications, 2000, pp. 364

Noel Tyl, Prediction In Astrology, A Master Volume ofTechnique and Practice, Llewelyn Publications, 1991, pp. 339

Once ASTRO 202 and the other 200 series classes arecompleted, including Ethics Training ASTRO 206, you will havethe Astrologers Basic Tool Kit and will be ready to specializethrough the Online College of Astrologys many fine electiveofferings.

xiii

Chapter 1

Seeing the Big Picture With Lifetime Declination Graphics

Many astrologers and students of astrology now havecomputers and good astrological software with graphing capability,among other advanced features. The Dynamic or graphingfunction allows us to see the unfolding natal chart in time in avariety of ways such as progressions, transits and declinations.Many astrologers dont bother much with natal parallel and contra-parallels of declination, much less follow their progressed positions,but the Progressed Declination Graphic can become an invaluabletool for initiating a dialogue with the client about past importanttime periods in his life. The cyclical motion of the progressedMoon declination, combined with the progressed declination of theangles and inner planets, marks all of the major life-turning pointyears in the life-time of the individual.

To begin, some declination terminology is important toknow:

o The Ecliptic, caused by the tilt of the Earths axis, is the imaginaryband within which the Sun traces its path during the course of theyear from 23 degrees 27 minutes north, to 23 degrees 27 minutessouth declination.

1

o Crossover occurs at the celestial equator, or 0 degrees, when theany planet or angle moves from north declination to south, or southdeclination to north.

o Out of Bounds occurs when a planet exceeds the band of theSuns ecliptic path at 23 degrees 27 north or south.

o Parallel and Contra-parallel are the aspects formed when thedeclination of two or more planets or points are within 1 degree ofaspect. The parallel equals a conjunction, and the contra-parallelequals an opposition.

o Maximum North or South Declination refers to the most extremelimit of declination that a planet or point can travel. TheMidheaven follows the Suns constant pattern taking its declinationfrom the Sun for the ephemeris date corresponding to the MCssign and degree. The Asc is derived from the Midheaven positionlocated in the Table of Houses at the latitude of the natives birth.Many asteroids regularly exceed the out-of-bounds limit by asmuch as 34 + degrees north or south, but they will not be used forthis study. At times, the Moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars exceedthe ecliptic limit to 28+ degrees; and Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune andPluto do not exceed the ecliptic by more than 3 minutes ofdeclination. True to form, only Saturn always stays within theSuns bounds of 23 degrees 27 declination. Ultimately, the lengthof out of bounds varies widely for the cycle of each planet.

o The Moon Declination Cycle is as regular as clockwork evenwhen it goes out-of-bounds. At predictable seven-year intervals(quarter points of the Moons 27.32 year declination cycle), theMoon completes one full cycle of one N/S crossover, onemaximum South station, one S/N crossover, and one maximumNorth station.

One day equals one year of life in secondary progressions,and in similar fashion, one day of declination equals one year oflife. You may choose to hand calculate your declinations using anephemeris, and progress them for a lifetime to spot importantperiods of life change. However, there are two important

2

drawbacks to hand calculation: the amount of time to calculate,and the ephemeris convention of reporting declination at onlythree-day intervals, if at all. Of course if you are hand-calculating,the declination positions may be taken straight from the ephemerisas exact on your Adjusted Calculation Date.

Basically, a lifetime declination graphic tracks 90 days (years)of declination movement for each planet. I strongly recommendany of the major astrological programs that allow graphic displayof ephemeris information. Two very good formats are presentedhere.

Graphing Declinations Using Astrolabes SolarFire 5.0

First, birth chart data must be entered and calculated. Thengo to the toolbar at the top of the screen and select Dynamic,and then Graphic Ephemeris. Several fields from many choicesmust be selected to complete the screen. Choose progressionsin the Ephemeris Selection field. Further choices are containedin that field under progressions to select the Dynamic Type.Select secondary.

In the field just beneath Ephemeris Selection field you maychoose to sort by longitude, declination or latitude. Selectdeclination and in the field below will select a 30-degree (northand south) grid. Of course, if the asteroids are to be included,then select 40 or 45 degrees. Several check boxes below allowyou to select the parameters for display.

In the field to the far right of the screen you may select theplanets to include. Be sure to select planets which should

3

include all planets and chart points including the Moon. Also besure to select the include natal lines option. The programprovides many options for selecting or de-selecting almost anyplanet or chart factor you want.

To the left of the screen select the Period of Report framefor start date, period (number) and measure (years, months, days).I would recommend 90 years for a lifetime sort. Now, selectView to be sure you have gotten what you want and make anyadjustments necessary before printing.

Graphing Declinations Using Matrixs Win*Star 2.0

Be certain that you have first entered the birth data andcreated a chart file.

On the tool bar click on Plus and select Graphic EphemerisOptions.

To select start date, choose Input and then type in the birthmonth, day and year.

To select end date, choose Ephemeris Length and select3 and months to produce a 90 day (or year) graphic. Ofcourse, the optimists among you may select 4 instead of 3.

Go to the tab at the top of the GEO box and selectPlanets. Under the Positions option, select Transit.From that screen select the Coordinate option and thenDeclination. Under Dial option leave it as is, but highlightMoon through Ascendant under Planets to plot.

Go to the Calculation Options tab at the top and selectPlacidus or Koch, whatever is your choice of systems.

Then go to the Natal tab at the top. Select the desiredname under Natal Chart, and be sure Moon throughAscendant are selected under Natal Planets to Plot. Clickon the box to Plot Natal Positions.

Click on OK at the bottom of the screen.

4

Be certain to change your printer setup to Landscape, thenprint. It takes a few minutes, so be patient.

Graphing the Lifetime Declination by Hand

Use the sample graph at the end of this lesson as a model tochart your lifetime natal and progressed declinations. The graphicis set up predominantly for planets and angles which do not movebeyond 30 degrees Out-of-Bounds. If you intend to chart thedeclinations of the asteroids as well, then extend the outer limits ofthe graph to nearer 40 degrees since they have such extremedeclinations.

Interpreting the Progressed Declination Graphic Using theMoon

Now that we have a basic knowledge of declinationterminology and can set up our charts, we can delve into the nitty-gritty of interpretation. The easiest body to chart, and the onewhich provides the most dramatic results for signaling life changes,is the Moon.

1. The Moon declination at maximum North suggests career,status and self-image types of changes Midheaven and 10th

house matters. The changes are often expected, evenplanned, because the Moons declination takes approximately3 years to round the curve and head South again. Manymajor life changes that develop over time or in stages areaffected by this 10th house type of Moon station period. Suchchanges could include retirement, health issues affecting theability to work, or the unfolding self-awareness of ones worth

5

at work, among other things, all depending upon the aspectsthat may simultaneously be formed to planets within onedegree of that station. Clearly, maximum North or maximumSouth marks the end of one phase of life and the beginning ofa new one.

2. The Moon declination at maximum South suggests the IC, or4th house matters, which suggests changes in the home andfamily. As with maximum North, the changes are usuallyexpected even planned because the Moons declination isat a station taking about 3 years to round the curve toagain head toward the North. Such events as the childrenmoving out on their own, little ones going off to school, oreven starting a new business or hobby that influences a newlife direction can occur. In certain cases where many othertiming factors lend support, the end of life can occur at one ofthese important stations of the Moon declination North orSouth.

3. Lifes earthquakes more often occur at the crossover pointsin the Moons cycle because near the 0 degree N/S point theMoon declination is traveling fast at 5 to 7 degrees per day(year). As a result, we are often caught by surprise by thechanges that occur. People suddenly move, end dysfunctionalrelationships, and sometimes do crazy things that seem out ofcharacter. Such outer manifestations simply reflect the majoremotional changes going on within. The crossover from Northto South acts as an Ascendant conjunction and more closelyrelates to personal growth issues. The crossover from South to

6

North most often acts as a Descendant conjunction bringinggrowth changes to relationships.

4. Every 18 to 20 years begins the new Out-of-Bounds Mooncycle where during half of those years (9-10) the Moon travelsOB every 10 14 days. The extreme declination of the Moonreaches 28 degrees 39 minutes and stays OB for as many as 5days at a time, or 5 years in progressed time. This recurringpattern seems to bring forth the issues of freedom versussecurity. Those with OB natal Moon declinations tend to bemore independent and willing to think outside the box ofsocial conventions; whereas those with in-bounds Moonsmore willingly march in line with what is expected of them.Often OB Moon individuals have unusual life experiencesinvolving the mother where she is ill, too busy or in some wayunable to provide adequate nurture for the child. The unusualsituation with the mother could result in such situations aslatch key kid, abandonment or adoption causing the personto be raised by a relative or surrogate who fulfilled the motherrole. OB natal Moon people tend to be lifes survivors,toughened by early experience.

5. By progression, the Moon moving to parallel or contra-parallelwith other planets indicates emotional issues related to thenature of the contacted planet. A progressed Moondeclination parallel to the natal or progressed Venusdeclination might suggest a meaningful romantic involvement.Certainly a confluence of other factors is needed to describelongevity of the attraction. The progressed Moon declinationmoving to parallel Mars might suggest an emotional

7

confrontation, or courage to tackle a difficult situation. Insimilar manner, the contra-parallel, or opposition aspect,brings hard choices to be made in the matters described by theplanets.

6. If the natal chart has parallels and/or contra-parallels, then anyplanets progression of declination to that point will activatethe whole configuration.

7. In mundane astrology, the OB Moon corresponds to timesmarked by societys changing attitudes about women as wellas the role of our nation in the world. The extremes ofconvention versus change are evident in observing the OBMoon years of the 20th century:

October 28, 1889 September 12, 1899 - the WomensSuffrage movement was born.June 29, 1908 April 2, 1918 pressures betweennations led to World War I.February 28, 1927 December 13, 1936 the peak ofthe Roaring 20s, and the depths of the Depressionprevailed.October 13, 1945 August 13, 1955 post-war securityand home life was upset by the Korean War.May 2, 1965 February 14, 1974 the push for equalityby Civil Rights and Womens Liberation groups wascontrasted by anti-Vietnam War demonstrations and thefreedom of Hippie culture.

8

November 29, 1982 August 15, 1991 - the collapse ofCommunism brought down the Berlin Wall and ushered in anew world order with massive immigration and globalization.April 13, 2002 January 16, 2012 hopefully, will bringthe next big push for freedom in the world and equal rightsfor all.

Remember, during these OB Moon periods the Moon is onlyOut-of-Bounds about one-third of the time or 10 days per month,but the forces for change and new ideas experience a birth-likequickening during the whole period.

It is interesting to note that one generation averages twentyyears, therefore, many OB Moon parents have OB Moon children.Further, the Moon can never go OB in Pisces/Aries or Virgo/Librabecause those signs are near the equinoxes. The Moon only goesOB in Gemini/Sagittarius or Cancer/Capricorn near the solstices.

Interpreting Planets in Progressed Declination

When looking at the graph for other planets and points indeclination, parallels and contra-parallels can be easily spottedeven without an exact birth time, though a birth chart set for Noonserves well for unknown birth times. Mercury, Venus and Marsregularly go OB up to 28+ degrees North or South. Mercury bydeclination stays OB from 9 to 31 days (years) at a time, so natalOB Mercury could have an impact on the learning readiness of achild or the mental focus of an adult for much of a lifetime,depending upon how close Mercury is to changing direction.Venus by declination stays OB from 11 to 56 days (years) at a

9

time, so the impact upon ones comfort in socializing can beaffected for an extended period of time depending upon how closeVenus is to changing direction. One could be shy or even anti-social if Venus is OB at birth, but when the Venus declinationmoves back in bounds, the pattern of social rebel or misfit cannoticeably change. Mars by declination stays OB from 50 to 187days (years) at a time, so the impact upon ones work focus can beaffected for an extended period even a lifetime - dependingupon how close Mars is to changing direction. Mars OB at birthsuggests one who is comfortable working independently, andindeed, comfortable with leadership roles. They seemunconstrained by what seems impossible, though this placementoften describes people who are noted for doing their own thing.

Interpreting Natal Out of Bounds Planets

People with personal planets out-of bounds by declination inthe birth chart are distinctive according to the nature of the OBplanet.

Mercury OB suggests that the mental ability may beunusual in some way, or that ones ideas are consideredunconventional. He could also be a free thinker whodoes not care what others think. Venus OB suggests that one experiences pleasure in

unconventional ways, or has non-traditional romanticrelationships or sexual practices. OB Venus may alsosuggest a lack of concern for appearances or socialgraces.

10

Mars OB could indicate one who is extremely workdriven, or who is very active in physical pursuits.Distinctive qualities of leadership may be evident, thoughsome possibility of being unseated from that authority byadversaries exists. The other planets never move OB more than 3 minutes,

so they have no appreciable OB effect. Indeed, they stayOB, even at that small increment, for so many days(years) that only historians may notice the effect.

As you can see, a wealth of information may be gained byusing the Life Declination Graphic to reveal important periods oflife change. Of course, the astrologer then goes to other moredetailed measures of time to follow the unfolding of events.

Interpreting Progressed Planets & Angles at Maximum N or S

Only the Sun, Moon, inner planets and angles progressnoticeably enough in declination during a lifetime to form newdeclination contacts in parallels, contra-parallels, maximum N or S,crossover, out of bounds or change of direction. The progresseddeclinations of Jupiter through Pluto move so little distance in alifetime that, when contacted by an inner planet or angle, thenature of the natal planet is merely reinforced.

Interpret the planet-to-planet contacts in parallel(conjunction) and contra-parallel (opposition) in just the same waythat you would in a natal chart, by blending the nature of theplanetary symbolism. However, the inner planets and anglesmoving to crossover in either direction, or to maximum N or S,

11

take on special importance. Similar to the commentary for theMoon reaching the maximum N or S declinations or crossing overfrom one to the other, an inner planet or angle suggests changes inthe life according to its astrological symbolism.

The Sun, Mercury or Venus progressing to maximum N or Stake nearly 20 years to move into and away from the 1 degreeallowable orb for declination aspects, so their position would notlikely be noticeable as an event, but rather, a phase of lifededicated to either developing career (maximum N) or tending theneeds of home and family (maximum S) in the nature of theplanet. Mars at maximum N or S takes much longer to movearound the curve into and then out of 1- degree orb, closer to 40years. The inner planets may never reach an out-of-boundsposition during the lifetime, but almost certainly one or more willmake the long transition through a maximum N or S phase, andthat period will be remembered by the planetary significance as amajor life focus.

The planet or angle reaching maximum N or S has nonegative or positive connotation, only emphasis in life focusaccording to the nature of the planet. However, close networks ofparallels and contra-parallels can, and do, compound theimportance of the period. For instance, people born in the early1950s have natal Uranus and Pluto parallel right at the out ofbounds point of 23 degrees 37 North. Those born near eitherSolstice point (June 23rd or December 23rd) also have the Sunparallel or contra-parallel Uranus and Pluto; and those born inMay June or November - December of those years willexperience their progressed Sun declination not only moving to

12

the normal focus of a planet at maximum N or S; but they will alsoface the powerful impact of maintaining their identity and personalintegrity amidst seemingly overwhelming pressures by contact withboth Uranus and Pluto.

The same principles apply to any of the planets or anglesmoving to maximum North or South, and further highlighted byother parallels and contra-parallels. Again, the nature of theplanetary symbolism should guide you to interpret these importantcontacts, keeping in mind their natal parallels and contra-parallels.

Interpreting Progressed Planets and Angles at Crossover

A planet or angle moving to declination crossover bringsmore sudden changes because the planet or angle is generally infast motion taking only a year or two to move into and beyond the1-degree orb for declination aspects. The only exception might beif the progressed Mercury, Venus or Mars goes into a retrogradeperiod within a few weeks either way of the equinoxes (March 21st

or September 23rd) when their declination would be at or nearcrossover.

A planetary crossover from N to S seems to have the effect ofan inner planet progressing to conjunct the natal Ascendant itoften brings sudden awareness and personal expression of theplanetary qualities. A planetary crossover from S to N has more ofa Descendant expression it brings developments in relationshipand focus on others in expression of the planetary qualities.Depending upon other parallels the progressing planet makes nearthe 0 degree declination crossover point, or the nature of the

13

planet itself, the event can be either difficult or pleasant. Anyplanet or angle moving to crossover is more likely to manifest in amemorable event. For example, and assuming no other parallelsare made at crossover, Mercury moving to crossover signifies amajor shift in the thinking, even awakening mercurial sorts oftalents from writing to racing, from speaking to skilled technicalwork. In a similar manner, combine the nature of the planet, withthe assumed angle activation (1st or 7th), and the parallel aspect(conjunction) to arrive at the proper interpretation.

The Ascendant and Midheaven also progress in declinationand are subject to the same rules for interpretation. Ironically, theprogressed declination of the angles does move to maximum N orS and crossover, points described in terms of angular houseinfluence rather than by planetary qualities. If no other planet iswithin 1 degree to bring life to these angles in echo of each other,interpret their influence in terms of their rulers. For instance, if theprogressed declination of the Ascendant is crossing over from S toN a 7th house influence is suggested. Since Venus is the naturalruler of the 7th house, issues of sociability, pleasure and romancewill be experienced on a deep personal level in ways such as self-beautification, self-esteem and personal satisfaction, Ascendantruler expressions.

Progressed inner planets and angles contacting otherprogressed positions do often signal an associated event related tothe symbolism of the planet involved. These are most notable inthe parallel aspects and should not be ignored in interpretationwork.

14

15

16

17

Practice

Part A: To practice hand calculation, choose only one ofyour study charts and calculate the natal declinations for eachplanet plus the Midheaven and the Ascendant using the samemethod to calculate the natal chart positions in earlier lessons.Calculate to the degree and minute of North or South Declination.If you have an ephemeris that gives the declination positions everyday, or more often every third day, then count forward one dayfor a year to the age you were at the key event you have chosen to

18

study. Use the Adjusted Calculation Date as the virtual birthdayand take the declination positions directly from the ephemeris. Ifyou do not have an ephemeris that gives the declinations daily orevery third day, skip to Part B of the practice.

Note that The American Ephemeris 2001-2010 (midnight)lists the declinations daily. In other ephemerides that listdeclinations every third day, the movement from one date to thenext must be divided by 3 and then the calculated position addedfor each years segment 1, 2, or 3 as the declination position forthe planet.

To find the declination for the Midheaven, Ascendant orother points that sit directly on the ecliptic, take the declination ofthe Sun when it is at that the same degree as the natal orprogressed MC or ASC and that position will be correct for thepoint in question. For instance, if the ASC is 27 degrees of Aries,then the declination of the Sun when it is at 27 Aries will equal thedeclination of that 27 Aries Ascendant.

Part B: Now that you have practiced hand calculation ofdeclinations, use your computer and astrology software to create aLifetime Declination Graphic for each of your four study charts, orcharts you know well. The graph range should be set for 30degrees, which includes both north and south from the 0 degreecrossover point. Select the period from birth to to the present ageso that the graph is not too crowded with lines. List the year of allinner planet and angle out-of-bounds, crossovers, maximums N orS, and planetary stations, as well as parallels to natal andprogressed planets. List only the obvious contra-parallels,

19

particularly where many planets are involved in a close parallelnetwork.

Select 2 key events in the life of each person and interpret allof the active declination factors for that year. Provide theastrological notations of declination contact for each event, as wellas commentary describing the connections between theastrological indicators and what happened in real life.

Suggested Reading

Kt Boerher, Declination: The Other Dimension, FortunaPress, 1994.

Note, the commonly used American Ephemeris published byAstro-Computing Service does not contain declination listings.However, Raphaels Ephemeris as well as the RosicrucianEphemerides do. Of course all computer astrology programsprovide declinations in a variety of formats from natal listings tographic display of progressions.

Frequently Asked Questions

VM> In the directions for graphing the declinations with SolarFire, you said to enter 90 days. Should it be 90 years? Carol Tebbs> That is a good question. Theoretically, 90 daysworks if you selected Transits because one day of transit equalsone year of life, but you must also select declinations to arrive atthe same result. However, selecting Progressions is the best

20

choice because that is actually what they are. Be sure to go to thesub-menu under Progressions and select declinations. Thepositions should be the same either way, and dont forget to checkthe box to add natal lines as well.

Carol Tebbs> The Moon sometimes goes out of bounds to 28+degrees, so the 30 degree N and S grid will do fine.RA> Is that the angle extent?Carol Tebbs> It is degrees of declination that a planet can movefrom the ecliptic. It is not 30 degrees as in the semi-sextile of the12th harmonic aspects measured in longitude. I liken the graphicdisplays of declination, progressions and transits to a movingpicture of the life, rather than the snapshot of the birth chart or theprogression for a given year.

Carol Tebbs> Basically, each time lines intersect with natal linesand/or progressed lines of other planets, you should have acorresponding event of the nature of the planetary influence.When you have a convergence of many points or planets at once,a major event is signaled. Be sure that you have selected the MCand ASC as points to be charted along with the planets. They arevery helpful, and select print natal lines as well. Do not select"background shading" because it makes the graphic too hard toread.

If you all are still young and want to only do 45 or 50 yearsof life graphic, that is fine. Do up to your present age, and onlyinterpret what has happened in the past. Don't try to go into thefuture just yet. I want you to see the actual correspondence ofcrossing lines with major life events and changes.

21

MB> Carol, is there a way to change the colors on the graph? Ijust printed one out and the yellow lines for Moon, Mercury andVenus hardly show up at all.Carol Tebbs> Can you print it out selecting only black?

Carol Tebbs> On the contra-parallels, they are harder to spot, soonly do those if they are obvious -- i.e. a cluster of planetsconverging at 15 degrees north opposite another planet at 15degrees south. For example in my natal chart I have a cluster ofplanets at 20 - 21 degrees north, so when any of the moving linesgets to 20 degrees north OR south, I know that combination willbe activated. Just do the obvious contra-parallels, and all of theother crossings are pretty obvious, though I do draw in ahorizontal line in ink to mark the O degree equator.

I also begin every client consultation by discussing theoverview I get from the Life Declination Graphic. It is a goodsegue into discussing the life pattern of the natal chart, and theprogressions and transits for the current year.

22

CoverImportant Notice to ReaderTitle PageTable of ContentsAstro 202 SyllabusAstro 202 OverviewChapter 1Seeing the Big Picture With Lifetime Declination Graphics

Chapter 2Plotting Progressions, Directions and Transits With Graphics

Chapter 3Forecasting With Solar and Lunar Eclipses

Chapter 4Calculating, Interpreting and Forecasting With Solar and Lunar Returns

Chapter 5It's Your Choice: Electing the Best Time for an Event

Chapter 6Relocating to a Better Place to Fulfill Life Potential

Chapter 7Assessing Natal Relationship Potential and Comparing Charts for Compatibility With Synastry

Chapter 8Finding Family Patterns and Interpreting Group Synastry

Chapter 9Calculating and Interpreting Relationships and Group Dynamics With Composites

Chapter 10Rectifying Questionable or Unknown Birth Times

Chapter 11Rectifying the Jimmy Swaggart Chart: Follow Up to the Practice Work

AppendixAbout the Author