In Lesson 16 you learned how to compute the positions of the signs of the Zodiac. Lesson I7 is a continuation affording you the knowledge necessary to calculate the positions of the planets. This material should be approached slowly and patiently. Remember that each principle is vitally important and forms the basis for the next one. The next few lessons will develop your powers of delineation, but we cannot even begin that step if we do not understand the principles of chart erection. Our calculation must have pinpoint accuracy.

   Lesson 16 concluded with Principle X of our chart erection principles. There is only one more principle and that is XI; however, it involves several steps concerning the computations for planetary position. In 16 we charted the positions of the signs and now we will chart the positions of the planets.

   The term retrograde means apparent backward motion of certain planets when viewed from earth. At various times in our lives we have all traveled in trains that passed other trains. We have noticed when we pass a train which is going slower than the one we are on, the train we are passing seems to be moving backward. Actually, we know it is not. When our earth is moving faster in its orbit than a planet we are observing from earth, the same backward motion of that planet seems to take place. We say the planet is in retrograde. That is what retrograde means in astrology. In the ephemeris it is marked "R". If we were traveling on a train and another train was next to us traveling at the same speed, that train would seem to be stationary. When earth is moving in its orbit at a speed the same as a planet, the planet also seems to be stationary. That is what stationary means in astrology. In the ephemeris it is marked "ST." When a planet is about to go into retrograde from a seeming stationary position, it is marked "ST.M in the ephemeris. When a planet is about to move directly forward from a seeming stationary position, it is marked "ST.D." in the ephemeris. D. here means direct and indicates that the planet is going from stationary to the faster forward motion. NOTE: (You may use "" or "" to indicate retrograde.)

   When inserting planets on your charts later, be sure to mark them on the chart: R for retrograde, ST.D. for going into direct forward motion or whatever else the ephemeris shows for the planet.

   Although stationary and retrograde motion is apparent and not a reality, we, as astrologers, are considering how things appear from the Earth; hence we have to be careful to record all the real or apparent motions in the sky.

   What is the effect of retrograde motion in a horoscope? In many circles it is considered evil or negative, but this is a misleading concept. Generally speaking, when a planet is in retrograde, some of the power of that planet is lost. Its potential influence in a horoscope is modified. For example, if, by aspect, a retrograde planet is radiating disharmony, it will not be as powerful as if there were no retrograde. In other words, a retrograde planet can be either good or bad in a horoscope. This will depend strictly upon the aspects involved. However, its influence will always be modified by its retrograde nature.

   How do we compute the positions for retrograde planets?

   The degree position of the slow moving planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, may accurately be listed as that position recorded in the ephemeris for the first day of the month. In other words if, for the time in question; anyone of these slow-moving planets is marked ST.D or ST.M merely assume the position of the planet to be equal to the position listed for the first day of the month. In the planets Mercury, Venus and Mars a simple correction must be made to ascertain an accurate position.

   The Nodes are those degrees on the ecliptic pathway of the Sun where the Moon moves from South to North Latitude, or vice versa. When the Moon moves from South to North, the point on the ecliptic is the ascending or North Node, commonly referred to as the Dragon's Head or Caput (Latin term for head). Its symbol is . By the very nature of the Nodes, the South Node (Dragon's Tail, or Cauda) is placed in the Sign opposite that of the North Node, and in the same number of degrees. Its symbol is the opposite of the North Node )

   The influence of the Nodes has yet to be completely determined. There is much opinion and controversy surrounding their impact, but nothing acceptable has been established. Until an understanding and agreement is reached regarding this influence, you need only regard them as points of reference. As a member of our Alumni after graduation you will be kept up to date on the developments in this and other theoretical areas.

   We are now ready to proceed with Principle XI which affords us the know-how to compute planetary position.

   MacCraig's Ephemeris lists the geocentric longitude Sun, Moon, Moon's North Node, and the planets for Greenwich noon of the first day of each month for each year from 1800-2000 inclusive. The daily motion of the planets is listed on page 1 of this Ephemeris. That chart provides us with the following valuable information:

   It is more logical to consider the House as being intercepted than the reverse. In reality, the House is being intercepted by the intercepting Sign. 90% of astrologers are not aware of this concept, and we feel that it is very important.

1. The Planet's position on either side of the Sun's path, is celestial longitude, being measured in the heavens and not on earth, as on an ordinary geographical map.
2. The Planet's position north or south of the equator. This is its declination, and is comparable to the latitude lines on a map of the earth.

   When we say two planets are conjunct, we do not mean that they have really touched one another, for they are all moving along their own orbits which never meet. We mean that they are each at the same angle, or number of degrees in the zodiacal Signs. When, however, two Planets are the same angle north or south of the equator, we do not say they are conjunct, we say they are parallel. We have, therefore, when making the index of the aspects, to see if there are any parallels. For example (see chart on next page):

   Declination of all planets on July 4, 1872.

   All you have to do with these is to find those that are within two degrees of one another, and call them parallel. If both are north then the parallel is like a conjunction in effect. If one is south and one is north, they are similar to the opposition.

   The parallels are:

   You now possess the knowledge to compute the mathematics of chart erection simply and efficiently. Remember that a complete comprehension of these principles is mandatory. You should always check and then re-check your calculations because the slightest mistake can reshape the entire scope of a nativity. Your calculations must be careful, so a little extra time and patience in this area can spare you the embarassing situation of erecting an incorrect chart. The importance of your precision here is obvious. A mistake can be very costly.

   The principles involved in the past two lessons are crucial to your understanding of the construction of the horoscope. You now know the basics of chart erection and are prepared to synthesize all the facts you have been studying into a complete delineation. In the next two lessons, you will study our concise method of chart delineation. The process of your development has been very carefully designed to make these closing lessons as rewarding and fulfilling as possible. You will now reap the benefits of your hard work and perseverence.