Prediction, Providence and the Power of the ‘Self' in Horary.
"be a good example thy selfe, avoid the fashion of the times"
William Lilly, CA , 'Letter to the Student of Astrology' (1647)

During the last century the word 'prediction' ( pre dict : 'to say before') came to be something of a dirty word in astrology. When I started studying astrology in the 1980s, I remember frequent reminders that astrologers should not attempt to 'predict' but should merely aim to forecast 'psychological trends of experience'. I was probably typical of many students, in that the bestselling book, The Complete Astrologer by Derek and Julia Parker, was one of my first introductory guides to the subject, and for me an early source of reference as to what astrology was all about. Later editions have been updated and no longer reflect some of its earlier attitudes, but their first edition (published in 1971) was very representative of the prevailing views towards the use of astrology as a divinational tool. Horary astrology was particularly singled out as epitomising all that could be defined as shallow and ridiculous in the 'old fashioned' approach.

Most astrologers are familiar with the nodal axis of the Moon, but less attention is given to the fact that planets too have a nodal axis! The nodal axis is constituted of two intersecting point where the planet in question comes to cross the ecliptic. Astrologically, these two points are of paramount importance with regards to describing developmental issues pertaining to the planet's themes.

Richard Fidler was first exposed to astrology some 20 years ago and has been studying Vedic astrology since 1997. He pays particular attention to aspects, transits, progressions and midpoints in the context of western astrology, but admits that he doesn't trust the tropical zodiac the way he used to.

The use of prenatal chart or chart of the lunation immediately prior to the birth has been obscure to the contemporary astrologer. However in ancient astrology there is mention of their role in predictive approaches by Hellenistic authors like Paulus Alexandrinus and Vettius Valens. It is not my intention to revere the astrological past as a Museum's piece, instead I believe that ancient techniques may contribute as a creative ferment, and combining them with modern concepts we can reach stimulating results and new insights. I propose as a hypothesis of work that these prenatal charts, since they affect groups of people as a lunation does and at the same time reveal individual features, can demonstrate how historical, social or cultural trends may have impact on an individual awareness and maybe we can to extract the best of this technique by seeing it as an approach that builds a bridge between natal and mundane astrology.

Anyone who has studied astrology for a reasonable length of time will have examples of charts that defy our most staunch inner sceptic. These charts stand as evidence that the connection between the stars and our world is far more mysterious then we imagine. The most fascinating thing about these charts is that their origin can be so ordinary. Coming across one of these charts is like having the magic of life exposed; everything takes on a special glow and it reaffirms the reason we astrologers continue our study long after the realisation that the path to riches, this is not.

When such a chart is encountered the desire is to share it, exposing it to the world and challenging those who would degrade astrology to explain how such beauty and perfection can be dismissed. Recently I came across such a chart; revealing itself to me during my search for a better understanding of receptions, it stands as testimony of the powerful wisdom inherent in astrology. But let me begin at the beginning of this quest.