Predictive Astrology Techniques

Predictive Astrology Techniques:

Techniques for Preparing for the Future and Understanding the Past

Most astrologers use a variety of techniques to "look into the future" of an individual. There are plenty of techniques used to make predictions for—and plan for—the future. Here, we share our preferred techniques—transits, secondary progressions, solar arc directions, solar return charts, and more. Transits, for example, challenge and pressure us to make changes in our lives and in our attitudes toward our lives. They bring us joy and sometimes sorrow—they pull out parts of ourselves and "force" us to face them. Secondary progressions reveal our cycles of maturity and growth, showing us how our personalities unfold.

Transits & Cycles

Our natal chart is very much like a snapshot of the sky at the moment we took our first breath. We carry our natal chart with us through the entire course of our lives, even though the planets and luminaries continue their movement and cycles. However, as the planets and points move ahead, they form special relationships to the planets and points in our individual natal charts.

So, for example, if my Sun in my natal chart is at 25 degrees Virgo, and Saturn is moving towards that same degree of Gemini (25 degrees of Gemini), Saturn is said to be transiting square my natal Sun. Similarly, if Saturn is in 25 degrees Gemini, I can look in my natal chart to see where Saturn would fall in terms of house position. If that degree of Gemini is found in my 3rd house, then I would know that Saturn is transiting through my 3rd house.

It is not our aim here to offer tutorials on the technical aspects of transits. We will assume a basic knowledge of the technique so that we can move ahead to interpretation of transits.

Transits act to stimulate what is already there! In other words, they highlight and trigger parts of our own psychological make-up.

Outer Planets First, Inner Planets Later

With transits, it is generally best to first look at the outer planet (slower-moving) transits and cycles in order to get an overview and a "context" before refining our predictions with inner planet cycles and transits. Here are some general guidelines:

1. Determine "where a person is at" in an overall achievement sense by looking to where transiting Saturn is by house. Read more about Saturn Transiting Through the Houses.
2. Note whether transiting Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto are making major aspects to the individual's natal Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Ascendant, or Mid heaven.
3. Determine Saturn's transits.
4. Look to the Jupiter cycle—where is transiting Jupiter by house, and what aspects does it make to natal planets?

Working "outside in" is best because this way one gets a broader overview of the longer-lasting transits and conditions. This provides better context for the refinements that the inner planet transits offer us.

Outer planet transits affect us in large chunks—they can be active before the transit is exact by aspect, but we have seen the following: Many times an outer planet transits our natal point once by direct motion, moves forward and then retrogrades back over that point, only to turn direct again and pass that same natal point for the final time in that cycle. Generally, the seeds of the transit are being sown in the first part of this cycle (when the transiting planet first "hits" our natal point), and the "problem" or crisis reaches a head during the middle part of this cycle (when the transiting planet retrogrades back over the point). Finally, the situation is resolved around the time the transiting planet moves over our natal point for the final time in the cycle. Note: we often "see" or "feel" some sense of imminent resolution when the transiting planet goes direct after its retrograde period, before it passes again over our transited point. If our experience of the transit has been a crisis, then we feel marked release at this point. This is likely because a planet going direct after a period of retro gradation is symbolic, in general, of resolve.

In order to understand overall trends and movements in a person's life, you may also consider the outer planets' transits through the houses: Jupiter transits the houses, Saturn transits the houses, Uranus transits the houses, Neptune transits the houses, and Pluto transits the houses.

Inner Planet Transits: Power Days, Cycles of Activity, and More

Here are some interesting points to take into account:

1. When transiting Moon conjuncts the natal Sun (monthly): These are generally considered "power days".
2. The 2-Year Mars Cycle—Energy Cycle. When transiting Mars nears the sign of your natal Mars, your personal energy increases. Energy wanes as Mars moves away from the sign of your natal Mars and is at its lowest when it transits the opposing sign. For example, if your Mars is in Sagittarius, as transiting Mars moves from Gemini through to Sagittarius, your personal energy increases until it reaches a peak at Sagittarius. When Mars transits the signs following Sagittarius, personal energy decreases until it reaches a low when Mars is in Gemini.
3. When the New Moon contacts a natal planet or point: This suggests a renewed focus in that area of life for a period of approximately one month. If, for example, the New Moon conjuncts our natal Venus, we will experience a "fresh start" and a new perspective in Venus matters (such as love and money). It is also illuminating to interpret the placement of the New Moon by house.