At first glance, applying precession correction to a Solar Return chart or a transit-to-natal chart appears to be just a technique or method of chart calculation. Actually it is a mind-blowing process!
When we cast a natal chart and a solar return chart within the Tropical Zodiac, we seem to be using the Earth-Sun relationship and the crossing by the Earth over the Aries point to define the measuring basis of our charts. Most “western” astrologers are so used to seeing the Tropical Zodiac that they may actually be blind to some aspect of it.
Let us shift our discussion to the application of precession-correction. We know that our view of where and when a Solar Return occurs all depends upon the Earth, Sun and star background all reestablishing the relationship that existed at birth. This is not the same as the position in space (relative to our orbit about the Sun) where the Tropical Zodiac says our Solar Return occurred. The added distance and time required for the Earth to move past the Tropical Zodiac “return” point and to reach the “Sidereal” or “Precession-corrected” position is what makes the charts different. But, that is not what this essay is about!
Don’t overlook the fact that we have aligned the Earth with the Sun and with the cosmos — we are orientating ourselves to the starry sky, not to the wobble of the Earth’s poles. We have linked our selves to a greater vision than man’s earthly culture!
Seeing this permits us, encourages us, demands of us that we ask questions and open our minds to unexpected answers. This essay isn’t going to provide those answers because I don’t presume to be that smart. I am curious. So let us start to pose a few questions.
- What might be the difference between an Earth-oriented zodiac and a cosmic-oriented zodiac? Would the earth-oriented zodiac be “life” and “culture?” Would the cosmos-oriented zodiac be “spiritual” or “higher-minded” or something else?
- If zodiac signs have meaning, what meaning do we apply to Tropical Aries and to Sidereal Aries. Whereas they only have 5 degrees of common spatial overlap, which one gets to claim the typical “Aries” attributes?
- If we use precession-correction within the Tropical framework, such as I do, what sign meaning is appropriate for a sector of the sky?
- Do we even bother with using sign meanings? I choose not to use signs because I don’t have the answer to this question. Not using signs work for me.
- If we are to be more “open” to the starry background around us, where is the line between the Sun and Solar System and the cosmos? Do we start to consider the new-found dwarf planets (and Pluto and Ceres) such as Eris and other Kupier-belt objects? What about comets? Whatabout dark holes and other stars such as those that Phillip Sedgwick writes about? Where are the boundaries, if any?
- If our charts are a two-dimensional model of a three-dimensional reality, what do we put within in it? “More” equals complexity. “Less” equals clarity. Both balance and content are important. Are there new rules? New considerations?
- What about the idea of creating two or more types of natal charts? This is mind-blowing, isn’t it? Consider 1) Sun, Moon, Nodes, Mercury, Venus and Mars within a “personal” chart. Consider 2) those bodies plus Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus within a “social-opportunity” chart. Consider 3) the outer planets plus the new planets as a social-cultural world chart that our lives have to find their way within.
There are many other charts and astrological approaches that are at least as valid to take into consideration. They can also be discussed and explored. The point I wish to make here is that when we take up the practice of precession-corrected charts we need to see that we have an opportunity to re-direct our minds and our vision to more that the view we had prior to this.
Once we start to discuss the above points we move beyond the narrow subject of precession correction. We may have to start a separate blog site. Your thoughts? Dave
The Ninth House 3 