Medieval Forecasting Methods

[ABer]

Hi there - this new script is in beta and released for further testing and feedback. The module calculates the solar return for the chosen year, and eleven subsequent monthly returns. All the charts are based on the transit of the Sun to the solar degree equivalent in each sign. Profections are also calculated, by year, month and day. The daily profections are calculated by dividing the length of the month between returns by 12 signs, giving an average length of 2.5 days per sign. This varies through the year depending on the rate of motion of the Sun which alters the length of the monthly return.

Thanks to Zagata for the idea for the script, and also extensive checking during development.

The screenshots display some of the features of the module. Please note that to get the most from this module you will need a monitor with at least 1920 x 1080 resolution.

From the Help:

This module allows users to explore multiple solar returns using the methodology of Medieval astrologers. The return year for the current year will be calculated on opening the module. The monthly returns for the subsequent eleven months will also be calculated. These returns are based on the Sun's transit to the natal solar degree equivalent in each sign. So, for example, if the natal Sun is at 22 Aries 36, the first monthly return will be at 22 Taurus 36, the second at 22 Gemini 36, and so on.

The first chart shown is the solar return for the year identified. The following eleven tabs show the subsequent monthly returns. Additional data is provided on each return tab including:

1. Planetary positions and dignities and debilities
2. House cusps and dignities and debilities
3. Lord of the Day listing: the LoD is calculated by dividing the length of the solar return month by 12 and then allocating a planetary ruler to each day. This creates twelve 'days' of slightly varying lengths, but averaging around 2 1/2 days. The rulers follow the cycle of signs, beginning with the sign of the Lord of the Month.
4. A listing of the dates and times of each return in the year.
5. The Lord of the Year and Lord of the Month is also identified.
6. Natal planets: the natal positions are displayed on the outside of the chart wheel. The positions are identified by natal longitudes.
7. Day and hour rulers: the planetary day and planetary hour rulers for the monthly returns are identified in the centre of the main chart.

Profections: the profection cycle by year and month can be followed using the symbols in the main wheel. At the solar return the sign ruling the profected year is identified using the red dot; the sign ruling the profected month is identified using the green dot. In each return chart the profected month marker will move one sign.

Adjusting the solar return year: any solar return can be cast by adjusting the profection year in the text box at the bottom left of the solar return tab. Click 'New Return' the return cycle will be recalculated using the new profection year.

Calculate button: at the bottom left of the return tabs is the 'Calculate' button. Clicking this button will send the chosen return chart to the main Planetdance window for further analysis using the additional tools within the software. These charts are then available for using in multichart windows using the synastry functions within Planetdance.

Bounds: the user can choose either Egyptian or Ptolemaic bounds systems. The choice is retained between sessions.

Bounds and face circles: users can choose to display the bounds and face lords in the outer wheel if desired. This setting is retained between sessions. The setting can be changed during a session. The final setting will be retained.

Additional tabs provide the following data:

Data Summary: this lists the planetary positions and houses cusps for each of the returns. The date of the return, and the month number are also listed. The Lord of the Year (LoY) and the Lord of the Month (LoM) are also identified. The natal planetary positions and house cusps are also provided for comparison.

Multiwheels: this shows a simple chart for each of the monthly returns, along with the LoY and LoM. From these charts, significant return positions can be identified such as planets conjunct return angles.

+/- 1 Year: this tab shows the solar returns for the previous and subsequent years.

Lifetime: this tab lists 120 years of solar returns. The table is organised according to the profection cycle of twelve years. The LoY is identified, along with the date and time of the return. The age column shows the profection year which can be used to cast further solar returns.

Further information:

J Lee Lehmann (2012) Classical Solar Returns. Schiffer Publishing Ltd, PA.

Jean Baptiste Morin, tr. James Holden (2002) Astrologia Gallica 23: Revolutions. American Federation of Astrologers, Tempe, AZ.

Charles Obert (2018) The Cycle of the Year: Traditional Predictive Astrology. Almuten Press, Minneapolis, MN.

[Zagata]

I wish to thank you here as well, Ed.

You have done a tremendous service to the astrological community. Planetdance becomes the first software to offer this.

Even paid traditional softwares do not offer all these calculations. And their daily profections are wrong. In addition, with these other softwares, the user cannot see all the 12 monthly charts on a single page, as well as all the other summarized data.

[ABer]

There is an update to this script. The latest version can be downloaded from the attachments in the first posting in this thread.

The update includes bug fixes plus a new natal tab. See screenshot below.

Thanks. Ed

[Mercurious]

Excellent work! It would be nice if we could toggle this to calculate Lunar returns in a similar fashion for comparison. 

[ABer]

Hi - thanks for the suggestion. At this stage I think I will stay with the solar returns. I might look at adapting the script for lunar returns in the future. However, I note in Holden's translation of Book 23, for various technical reasons, Morin says "...it is evident that the revolutions of the Sun are much simpler and more preeminent than the revolutions of the other planets, and also more efficacious." (p. 4) It looks like the calculations of the other planets and the Moon need to take account of latitude and declination from Morin's point of view. This might explain why I have never found lunar returns very meaningful because my guess is that most astrological software just takes the ecliptic degree of the moon as the return point, without accounting for the movement of the Moon in relation to it's nodes.

Best wishes. Ed

[ABer]

It would be interesting to explore lunar return charts for the period of time during which the lunar nodes also return. My sense is that these lunar returns, where the declination and latitude of the Moon will be very similar to the lunar latitude and declination at birth for the natal degree of the Moon, may be very meaningful. For 'returns' when the node is not at its return, the key seems to be celestial latitude. Lunar returns at these times may not be as powerful (perhaps!).

[ABer]

Hi there - due to popular demand this module will be released through the main Planetdance download. I am just running some final checks on the latest version prior to release.

Ed

[ABer]

Hi there - Jean will be releasing this module through the main Planetdance module today. I will remove the attachment above - to update please download Planetdance using Help-Check for Updates menu within the main program.

Best wishes. Ed