Astrology Class - Progressing the Natal Chart and How It’s Different From Transits

by Robert Wilkinson

An amateur astrologer friend of mine recently had a question about how to progress a chart, and why “the dates jumped” when she entered the data. Today is a brief explanation of how and why.

She said “when I progress a chart the date jumps.” I explained that when we’re computing progressions (secondary directions, as distinct from primary directions), we begin at the birth day and year, and then calculate each day after that birthday as a year beyond the birth. In other words, if we’re born the first of a month, then the second day of that month and year is when we turn 1, and the 11th day of that month shows us our progressed planetary positions for our 10th birthday.

For example, if we’re looking at a birthday of March 8, 1973, then if we’re doing a progression for that person’s 43rd birthday, the chart will be calculated for April 20, 1973, even though it’s 2016 when they turn 43. In my case, I was born April 1, 1951. When I progressed my chart for my 29th birthday, the computation was for April 30, 1951, even though it was 1980 in real time. And I always calculate the progression for the birth place.

Some astrologers don’t use progressions since they are a purely symbolic movement, having no basis in anything other than those planets being in those positions at that point in time. I use them because I find they are good markers for looking at internal movement over time modifying the natal tendency.

I believe the transits are extraordinarily important, since they show what’s actually happening in “real time.” They are indicators of where those planets actually are by longitude at any point in the here and now, and therefore show where they are in our charts, as well as the angles they are making to our natal planets (and each other). Transits involve real time measurements.

Anyway, if you’ve wondered why the dates jump when you calculate progressions using your software, or what progressions actually are and how they differ from transits, consider this one port of entry into the what and how of two vast subjects in astrology.

© Copyright 2015 Robert Wilkinson

Comments

[Robert]

Hi all - Over at FB, Alexei asked: "Considering key returns in our natal charts, are there any year's progressions more relevant than the others?" I thought I'd answer it here, since some of you may have the same question.

Of course some progressions are more relevant than others. For example, when we're going through our Saturn return, it's good to pay attention to the Sabian symbols for our natal and progressed Saturn. I would think it would be good to take a look at our prog Mars when we're having a Mars return.

In my research over the years I've also found there are planetary correlations with each year of a seven year cycle, which I'll elaborate on some day when I'm ready to write my book on the 7 Year Cycles. During a year with primarily a Jupiter influence, it's good to look at the natal Jupiter and the aspects being made to it, along with the prog Jupiter, and even how transiting Jupiter is aspecting various planets in our charts.

[plus.google.com/109674147187002148854]

thanks.

[micheline]

hi Robert thanks for sharing your wisdom and knowledge. I have a mars return coming. it's very interesting for two reasons. Mars is in the same house as it was for the last return but in this return it is conjunct Jupiter (0 separating) and n an approaching conjunction to Venus all in the 9th house with mercury and north node.

In my progressed chart Mars and Venus are just making a conjunction to each other starting a little while ago. That's from 12 th to 4th n progressed. Mercury in cap progressed conjunct progressed Venus in cap. hmmm. very interesting.

[Valerie]

I have progressed Venus conjunct Neptune and square Uranus. Progressed Jupiter is conjunct Uranus (therefore square Neptune and Progressed Venus). In about a year, progressed Moon will conjunct progressed Venus and Neptune. I'd like to marry again... I am 61 years old and have been independent and set in my ways for quite a while. Cancer sun, Aquarius ascendant. I know it's a bit much but, any suggestions as to how to make the best of all this? :)