Speaker’s Report - September 2022
Timing in Horary Astrology - Roz Noble
Our September speaker Roz took us through the timing technique we could deploy if the question of ‘when’ become critical in a Horary reading. Roz noted she believed in free will and people’s ability to make choices so she would not provide timing in horary reading in general. She, however, stated there would be cases that the timing of certain events was extremely important (and example she gave involved a client with serious mental illness) and it would be vital for us as the astrologer to use the technique and help the client (to the best of our ability). Roz shared with us the theory she used and then further elaborate by using two examples.
Roz dived right into the theory and rules of this technique (which is from the very famous Deborah Houlding). She emphasized that the technique will only work if the following criteria are met – the horary chart (1) must show the positive potential of an event to manifest (the two significators applying to each other), (2) the appropriate potential of the event coming to pass, (3) and must show the most important significators and applications that offer a rough, symbolic measure of the appropriate timeframe.
In a nutshell: Step 1 is to look for an aspect that promises some development of the situation and then focus on the number of degrees that separate the perfection of that aspect. Step 2, which is the very tricky part, is then deciding the most relevant time unit that should be used in the case (ie. days / weeks / months / years). Step 3 will be to identify a real-time transit that will connect and bring focus back to the significators in the horary chart (ie. the significators aspect each other / aspect their positions in the horary chart / connect to angles or house cusps). Given the reading will involve the real time transit reading, this is actually a two-fold process.
When trying to determine the time of the event, Roz stated that we need to be able to see several relevant indications that reinforce the likelihood of the event happening at a particular time through simultaneous connections or a combination of both the symbolic and real time applications (ie. in transit). At the end of the day, the symbolic timing of the event showing in the horary chart should always be accompanied by a real time transit that link back to the significators (ie. if the symbolic timeline showed in the horary chart is decided to be x weeks, then the significators should connect and aspect each other in a real time transit in x weeks as well).
The Moon is said to be the most precise time indicator we can use as we usually see it making a conjunction or a major aspect to a main significator or the Ascendant at the time of the event. Once we find a good reconnection of the original significator (through a symbolic and / or real time transit), then look to the Moon as the pointer to narrow down (or pinpoint) the actual time (there may be several potentials but there will be one that is proved to be pivotal when you combine other factors / real time transit / symbolic applications). Also, we will see the planetary significators reconnect to angles, cusps, or each other at the same time.
Roz also noted we should pay attention to the speed of the significators, their current stage in their cycle (ie. normal speed / slowing down ready to be stationed either turn direct or retrograde / going to change sign), and the planets’ motion (as the motion signifies impulse). The direction of the planet will show us which direction the person / event is heading towards or emotionally being pulled towards. When a planet prepares to station direct or retrograde, it will slow down. It can indicate a reversal of fortune, dissolution, or impending decline of strength. A stationary planet can cause hesitancy and delays, and all stations of planet indicate pivotal periods / moments (for example, at the time of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Mercury was stationed).
A retrograde planet in some cases can cause an event to go backwards or a return to the previous situation or a return of a past event (and sometimes the event may not happen at all). A variation to the rule about retrograde planet will be in cases of finding lost property – a retrograde planet may signify a return of the lost property as long as the planet returns and make an aspect with the querent.
We also need to note if the significators is / are going to move into the next zodiac sign, especially if the move will mean the significator is going to gain or lose power. For example, Mars in 29 degrees of Libra is in detriment but once it moves into Scorpio it will be in its rulership and in a much stronger position to act.
Following the general rules in astrology, planets in cardinal signs has a ‘fast-pace’ quality and they are usually quick in bringing on changes. Fixed signs usually signify slowing down of events as they are hesitant / resistant to changes. Mutual signs are intermediate in their effect. Angular houses are place of action and finding significators there can indicate events could occur quickly. On the other hand, cadent houses lack energy and finding significators there could mean the event happens extremely slowly or may not eventuate at all. Roz, however, noted that we should also keep in mind the nature of the question when applying the above rules. For example, a question about an overseas trip with the significator in the 9th House (a cadent house) can be descriptive of the question (rather than showing the slowness of the happening of the event).
The natural speed and the nature of the significators can be telling too. For example, both the Moon and the Mercury moves fast but the Moon is also moody and changeable while Mercury is indecisive and can move backward forward a fair bit. Mars rushes through things and can be impulsive while Saturn can be a lot more cautious and slow moving, and even mistrustful.
As mentioned before, determining the appropriate time unit to use is tricky and there is no hard and fast rule(s). Usually, significators in angular house or a cardinal sign could point to days; in succedent house or a mutable sign could mean weeks; and in cadent house or fixed sign could be months.
One way of establishing the most relevant time unit to be used (ie. days / weeks / months / years) is to look at separating aspects and known past events and use that as a pointer. For example, in the case of The Moon describing an object lost 8 weeks ago is 8 degrees separated from the 1st House’s ruler, then the Moon applying to the Ascendent in 5 degrees could suggest recovery in 5 weeks (ie. the appropriate time unit is weeks rather than days / months / years).
Lastly, always use common sense and put that in context of the question at hand and apply known facts and astrological reasoning (following traditional astrology such as only use traditional rulers as significators and Ptolemy aspects). Avoid open-ended vague ones (don’t ask if I will ever something. Instead, ask if I will get this in the next 12 months).
