Thank you to reader Iago Pereira for bringing this chart to my attention.
Challenging Assumptions
Some charts challenge our assumptions. These charts can be very frustrating, especially for beginners, as they find that basic chart analysis leads them in the wrong direction. However, more than any other charts, challenging charts push us to refine our art. Without such challenges, our astrology does not grow and simply becomes dogmatic. We ignore such charts to our own disadvantage.
David Carpenter
In this article, we are going to look at one of the most challenging charts which I’ve come across. Life is complex and contradictory. This chart is one of a serial killer, rapist, and pedophile. Additionally, he was a victim of childhood abuse. Amazingly, he has also been unusually lucky in his life, in the sense of catching breaks. He was released from jail multiple times after horrendous crimes. He’s been married twice and has had three kids. Furthermore, he’s a reportedly well-behaved prisoner who has been on death row for decades (34 years) without execution, and still maintains his innocence. These days, he even has a penchant for religion.
The Trailside Killer
David Carpenter was born on May 6, 1930 at 9:16 pm in San Francisco, CA (AA-rated source). He is infamous as the “Trailside Killer”, owing to a string of murders which took place on hiking trails in some of San Francisco’s most scenic parks. Strangely, the murders took place when Carpenter was 49 and 50 years of age. He was caught shortly after his 51st birthday.
David Carpenter’s Birth Chart
Note on Biographical Sources
Information on Carpenter’s life and criminal record prior to the killings is somewhat hard to come by. I rely heavily on the collection of news stories at Murderpedia.org (see Information PDF). However, some stories are inconsistent or riddled with minor errors. For instance, a couple stories state he was born in 1930 but also that he was 33 years old in 1960. The Criminal Minds Wiki also has some conveniently organized information on his crimes and behavior. Additionally, for insight into his prison life, I read an interview with him that was conducted by a fellow prisoner. Note that there are also some minor errors in the Wikipedia article on Carpenter.
Issues with this Chart
Carpenter’s chart challenges in a number of ways. The bulk of my analysis is going to be focused on individual problem areas. I’ll present my solutions or at least some food for thought. After exploring the main issues, we’ll look at the chart in terms of timing.
Many of the challenges pertain to things I’ve previously written articles about. For instance, the interpretation of sign dignity is significant in the chart, as he has 3 planets in domicile. I’ve written many articles on how dignity is often mis-used by traditional astrologers. This chart raises some of those issues anew. Additionally, I’ve written on the importance of twelfth-parts and the lots, including the Lot of Boldness in the charts of murderers. I’ve also highlighted how mutable signs were seen as a destabilizing influence on the character by some Persian astrologers. I’ll explore these important considerations with this chart.
However, there are other ways in which the chart is challenging, particularly for me. I follow the approach of Hellenistic and Persian astrologers. They rely heavily on the Ascendant Lord, Mercury, and the Moon for character delineation. The Lord of the Ascendant is Jupiter in a somewhat benefic place. Additionally, Jupiter is with the sect benefic and its ruler, Mercury is with both benefics. The Moon is dominated by both benefics and her ruler. This is a pedophile turned rapist and murderer – hardly a benefic character. Reading character in this chart is complex.
I. Character
Jupiter is the domicile lord and main (first) triplicity lord of the Ascendant. Jupiter also closely aspects the Ascendant within about 5 degrees. Therefore, Jupiter is an important significator of the character. Jupiter is in the 7th house (a stake of the Ascendant) and is strongly advancing, so it is quite strong. Jupiter is out of sect, but it’s still a benefic, and one that is with the sect benefic (Venus), as well as its own ruler, Mercury. This would appear to bode very well for the character, but this guy is a pedophile, rapist, and serial killer. What gives?
Mercury too is typically used for the character and rational mind. Here Mercury is in the 7th place, in its own house and bound, with both benefics. None of the malefics aspect it with a hard aspect (square or opposition). Therefore, one the surface, Mercury is perplexing.
First, we have to seriously consider whether Jupiter and Mercury are saying something meaningful about the character and the life. Next, we have to look deeper at the “hidden placements” of these planets by twelfth-parts, and possibly even antiscia. Finally, we also have to consider special techniques specific to aggressive behavior.
7th House: Sex and Marriage
Jupiter is in the 7th house, which in ancient astrology is the house of marriage and sex. Many indicators (especially Venus with Mercury) in the 7th tended to show a preoccupation with sex. One thing noted frequently with Carpenter is that he was an uncontrollably lustful character. Even in his first marriage he was said to want sex constantly. He started stalking other women while married. The lord of the 1st and Mercury (two significators of the self and mind), in the 7th, with Venus, mathces this emphasis.
Jupiter’s role in the 7th is also interesting in the sense that Carpenter was able to marry and have children given his notorious past. He was a convicted pedophile prior to meeting his wives. He was also very abused as a child and suffers from an extreme form of stuttering. That he could get married, twice, and father three children is somewhat remarkable. Benefics in the 7th house are an indication of some undeserved luck in this area.
Well-Behaved?
While Carpenter was a depraved pedophile and stalker from early on, he seemed able to get off on good behavior time and time again. Prior to a string of murders, his stints in prison were rather brief compared with his crimes. He is noted as being a somewhat model inmate and one who is religious. It is thought that his victims may not have originally suspected he’d harm them because his mild manner and stutter made him seem harmless. He has molested many boys, raped many women, and killed at least 8 people. Now, at age 88, he has survived 34 years on death row without execution. He maintains his innocence and fights for his own release.
We see the role of Jupiter strongly advancing in many of these facts (see also the chart of OJ Simpson). Jupiter is loud in the life, granting lots of opportunities and breaks. It is quite likely that his character is one that does seem to align with Jupiter ruled by Mercury. Someone who seems friendly, even helpful, as well as knowledgeable or judicious. Jupiter is not indicating that he is a “good guy” but Jupiter is indicating that he can come off as one, and that is part of what makes Carpenter so dangerous.
Mars Influence
Jupiter is in the bound of Mars and is most closely aspected by Mars, from the right side. Therefore, Jupiter is linked strongly with Mars, and Mars is the more influential of the two in the relationship. Mars is the closest aspect to Jupiter from the right side and it is an applying aspect, so it is a Jupiter colored by Mars. The Mars bound of Gemini is particularly associated with blood and destruction.
The fourth term, 7° belong to Mars: much-burdened, with no brothers, having few children, a wanderer, with a good income, destructive, bloody, inquisitive. (Valens, Anthology, Riley trans., 2009, p. 6)
Mars itself is in sect and in a good place, but Mars is very strongly afflicted by Saturn. Saturn is out of sect, in the dark 2nd place, and it dominate Mars. This is exacerbated by the fact that the aspect is applying within 3 degrees. Therefore, Mars is strongly colored by and connected with Saturn.
Mutability
This chart was brought to my attention in reference to another article of mine on Mercury and mutability. Mutability was associated with instability and fickleness in Hellenistic astrology (see Ptolemy, Book III, Ch. 13). Some of the Medieval astrologers additionally associated the Lord of the Ascendant or Mercury in a mutable sign with anger, fearfulness, and an unsound mind. The passages pertaining to that are quoted in the article.
In the case of David Carpenter, we see the Ascendant, its lord (Jupiter), Mercury, the Moon, and Venus in mutable signs. Most of the planets, including the most important character significators are in mutable signs. Furthermore, three of the seven planets are ruled by Mercury, including the Asc Lord and Mercury itself, adding more instability to the mix.
Missing Pieces
Obviously, we cannot get the full story on character from the apparent state of the Lord of the Ascendant and Mercury in the chart. For the most part they indicate positively. It is in fact troubling that they can apparently indicate positively for the most part but we can end up with someone like David Carpenter. We do see that the strongly advancing Mars is very loud in the life and influential upon the character, but there are plenty of missing pieces. Remember this before assuming that you can judge character based on the apparent state of a few factors that signify character.
Twelfth-Parts
I have written extensively on the twelfth-parts. I have discussed how you don’t know the full story about a planetary placement until you’ve examined the twelfth-parts. These additional positions were used by nearly every Hellenistic astrologer, with some of them stressing that they hold the secret to hidden information. Carpenter’s chart emphasizes the importance of these positions.
David Carpenter’s Birth Chart with Twelfth-Part Positions Along Outer Wheel
A few notable things are revealed in the twelfth-parts. Twelfth-part Jupiter is conjunct Saturn, the most malefic planet in the chart, This ties the Asc Lord to Saturn’s significations. The Ascendant and Saturn’s significations get tied to the Sun (publicity) in the dark 6th house by way of their twelfth-part positions. Mars has its twelfth-part square its natal position, intensifying it. Furthermore, its twelfth-part is in the harmful 8th house of death. That twelfth-part is also opposed to Saturn and the twelfth-part of Jupiter. Venus has her twelfth-part conjunct the Moon in Virgo, confirming the strong instinctual need for sexual gratification.
Dark and Fallen
Some interesting things occur with the twelfth-parts when dark houses and zodiacal fall are considered. The Sun and Moon end up conjunct in the dark 12th house. Actually, the twelfth-parts reveal 5 of 7 planets in dark houses, with all involved in hard malefic aspects. Additionally, the twelfth-parts put 4 of the 7 planets into the signs of their fall.
The Lot of Spirit
A look at the lots is vital to an analysis of any topic in the natal chart. The Lot of Spirit is particularly relevant to matters of character. I’ve explored the Lot of Spirit in depth in the article on the Four Principal Lots and the lesson on the lots.
David Carpenter’s Birth Chart with a Selection of Important Lots (Affliction and Mother at top of chart – names cut off)
As noted by reader Iago Pereira, Carpenter has the Lot of Spirit with and ruled by Mars, while dominated by Saturn. In terms of character, Spirit shows an aggressive martial character dominated by a bitterly dark and malefic Saturn. Mars is in the bound of Venus tying the violence to women and sexuality. As noted, Mars has its twelfth-part in the 8th house, connecting it with harm and death.
The Lot of Boldness
I have written an article on the Lot of Boldness as a possible indicator of capacity for bloodshed. The Lot of Boldness and Mars were the main factors explored by Abu’Ali for delineation of aggressive behavior. Additionally, many planets significant to the character in masculine signs was said to exacerbate aggressiveness. Mars in the 4th was also said to be significant for bloodshed. We may wish to consider Mars advancing toward the IC in a similar fashion, as quadrant houses were starting to be used during the period in which Abu’Ali practiced.
Carpenter, like the mass murder James Holmes, has Boldness with and ruled by Mars, while Mars strongly advances toward the IC. The Lot of Spirit additionally connects this with the character. Furthermore, the Ascendant, Lot of Spirit, Lot of Boldness, and 4 of 7 planets are in masculine signs, including the Asc Lord (Jupiter), Mercury, Mars, and Venus. Therefore, this special technique for assessing numbness to violence appears to be a promising one.
Additional Factors
Planetary Day and Hour
It is hard to look at Carpenter’s chart and not notice that he was born on the planetary day of Mars and at the planetary hour of Mars. Many Medieval astrologers included the rulers of the planetary day and hour as significant in their techniques for finding an overall chart lord. Vettius Valens also advised to look at the planetary day and hour rulers of the natal chart (see my article on planetary days and hours). We may consider this another indication of the importance of Mars in characterizing Carpenter’s life.
Antiscia Chart
Julius Firmicus Maternus (4th century) advised that the secrets of the chart can be found in the twelfth-part and antiscia positions. Many Hellenistic astrologers used the twelfth-part positions, and I’ve discussed them in this chart. However, only Maternus appears to have used the antiscia positions as additional body-doubles, or shadow points, for the planets. While I don’t normally use the antiscia points in practice, Carpenter’s chart has made me wonder if maybe I should. I’ve touched on the use of antiscia by Firmicus in an article on the twelfth-parts, and I’ve discussed antiscia in more detail in an article on symmetry in ancient astrology.
David Carpenter’s Birth Chart with Antiscia Positions Along Wheel
The Ascendant and Saturn are antiscia each other. This connects Saturn, the most malefic planet in the chart, with the nature of the self and character. Even more striking, Saturn is contra-antiscia Jupiter to the degree (i.e. they are the same distance from 0 Aries). This is seen as an opposition in the antiscia chart. Therefore, Saturn pertains strongly to both the Ascendant and its lord (Jupiter) by antiscia.
Additionally, Mars has its antiscia in the 10th house with the Moon, connecting it with the appetites and irrational mind as well as Carpenter’s role in the public eye. Similarly, the Moon’s antiscia is with Mars (i.e. the Moon and Mars are antiscia each other by sign). Also, both benefics and Mercury have their antiscia in the 8th house linking them with harm and death.
II. Mercury and Communication
One of the other perplexing things about Carpenter is his severe stutter. He is said to have been a severe stutterer since early childhood. This speech condition has caused him immense suffering due to the difficulty of communication as well as bullying in his school years. However, Carpenter has Mercury in sect, with both benefics, in domicile, in its own bound, and unafflicted by malefics.
David Carpenter’s Birth Chart
Before getting to the possible ways Mercury could indicate stuttering, let’s look at the ways Mercury may be indicating true things about the life. It is well known that IQ is not a strong predictor of intellectual success in life. Carpenter is reported to have an IQ of 125 (very high) and to have gotten good grades in school. Additionally, he got a degree in computer printing and was trained as a typesetter, a very mercurial profession. He even taught classes on these matters.
These things all suggest that Mercury is indeed prominent in his life. That prominence is reflected in Mercury’s position in a stake, in its own place, ruling the Moon and MC. Its benefits through association with both benefics are also well-attested in the life.
Mutability
As noted above, mutability, as well as rulership by Mercury and a position in an air sign, can all destabilize Mercury. Mercury is complicated enough, while Carpenter’s Mercury (and its twelfth-part) in a mutable sign, in air, and ruled by itself vacillates so much that it causes difficulty.
Retrograde Station
In the lesson on planetary prominence, I noted that whether a planet is direct or retrograde is not as significant as whether it stations within a week of birth. Additionally, a direct station within a week of birth is very strengthening, while a retrograde station is the opposite. Amazingly, astrologers often discuss how a planet is retrograde but miss that it is actually stationing direct (powerfully strong). In Carpenter’s case, it is too easy to see that Mercury is direct and miss that it is stationing retrograde.
Two Days After Carpenter’s Birth – Mercury Stations Retrograde
Mercury stations retrograde less than 2 days after Carpenter’s birth. It is this debility of Mercury which may be the symbolic key to Carpenter’s severe speech impediment.
III. Parents
Taking an approach which stresses the importance of the 4th house, the Sun, and the Moon for parents can lead to surprising results. The 4th house is ruled by Jupiter, a benefic, which is in a strong house. The Sun is in the weak and dark 6th house but is ruled by Venus and in the bound of Jupiter. The Moon is the sect light, very prominently positioned in the 10th house, dominated by the benefics and her ruler. However, Carpenter was notably abused by an alcoholic father and had a domineering strict mother.
Saturn and the Father
Both the Sun and Saturn are relevant as natural significators of the father. By night, Saturn often becomes the more important significator. Both the Sun and Saturn are in dark places (6th and 2nd places respectively) and out of sect. Saturn is also the only planet making a right side aspect to the house of father (4th) and to the Sun (trine). Therefore, Saturn has a significant influence over the significations of both the 4th and the Sun. Saturn is very malefic in this chart, exacerbated by being out of sect, in the dark 2nd place, and in an applying close aspect with Mars. As we’ll see with timing, Saturn activations also relate strongly to Carpenter’s crimes.
The Moon and the Mother
Little is known about Carpenter’s family, though his mother is characterized as domineering and physically abusive. Note that the Moon literally dominates the 1st house of the self in the chart. Additionally, the Moon is trine that malefic Saturn, signifying friendship between the Moon and Saturn. Also, the Moon rules the 8th place of the chart, which is occupied by the twelfth-part of Mars.
Twelfth-Parts
Again, the twelfth-parts provide plenty of additional insights. The Sun and Moon are together in the 12th house of enemies and undoing. The twelfth-part of Saturn is with the Sun, reinforcing their strong relationship.
Lots
Interestingly, the Lot of the Father is conjunct the Lot of Boldness. Both together are with and ruled by Mars. They are also both with the Lot of Spirit. Above I discussed how Spirit linked the character with the influence of this Mars. We’ve also seen how indicators of the father connect with the sense of self (Jupiter as ruler of the 4th and 1st, Asc antiscia Saturn). Now we see the occurrence together of Boldness, the Lot of the Father, and Lot of Spirit, with and ruled by this strongly advancing Mars. Violence, the sense of self, the role of the father, and a numbness to violence are all connected in this house.
There is a similar connection between the Moon, the Lot of the Mother, and the Lot of Affliction in Virgo. The Lot of the Mother in the 10th house confirms that the Moon in the 10th is the main significator of the mother. The Lot of Affliction connects the Moon with with crises in the life. As they are in the same degree, it would seem that the mother is connected with crisis-inducing situations in the life.
Antiscia
The antiscia chart also shows the mother linked with harm. The Moon and Mars are antiscia each other by sign. As already noted, the Saturn-Ascendant antiscia shows self-identification with the father.
Important Time Periods
Let’s change gears and look at the timing of Carpenter’s crimes and life relative to indications with ancient predictive techniques. A thorough analysis of these time periods could fill a book. I’ll keep the analysis brief to focus on just a few techniques for each year in order to investigate if factors are activated which were singled out in the delineation above. The timing of events explored is from a work-up with a timeline from Radford University.
Age 17: Molestation Conviction
The details are unclear, but by age 17, Carpenter molested two of his young cousins (ages 8 and 3). He was sentenced to the California Youth Authority.
Profection
The annual profection of the Ascendant at age 17 is to the 6th house. For Carpenter that is Taurus, occupied by the Sun, ruled by Venus. Venus is posited in the 7th house of marriage and sexuality. The public significations of the Sun, sexual themes of Venus, and themes of harm and illness of the 6th fit this period.
Solar Return
The solar return for the year sees srVenus conjunct nMars in Aries. It even has srMars with her in an applying conjunction. The srMoon in the sr12th applies to srVenus. All of these configurations further highlight the significance of Venus and give her a strong link for the year with Mars and sexual violence (Venus-Mars).
David Carpenter Age 17 Solar Return
The srAscendant is with nSaturn, ruled by Saturn, and in the bound of Venus, highlighting the natal Saturn’s themes. srSaturn is very malefic in the chart, as it is in the 8th of the return, out of sect, and strongly advances toward the Descendant. Therefore, Saturn in the chart is also highlighted in the solar return.
Secondary Progressed Moon
Using the Valens technique for secondary progressions, we pull up the chart 17 days after birth. We are particularly interested in the relationship to the natal chart.
Carpenter’s Age 17 Secondary Progressions Along Wheel
The spMoon progressed to conjoin Mars in Aries. In this we see Mars highlighted yet again. The spSun also progressed to conjoin Mercury in Gemini. Mercury rules the 10th house of reputation and we see an important event in this year in terms of developing Carpenter’s public reputation.
Primary Directions: Distributor
The distributor of the Ascendant by primary directions from ages 14-18 was Mars. In other words, the Ascendant directed through the Mars bound of Sagittarius during that period. At age 14, Carpenter was hospitalized for committing sex offenses and by age 17 he got his first sentence. Therefore, we see a confirmation that Mars in his chart is particularly linked to sexual violence.
Carpenter’s Youth Distributors of the Ascendant
Age 25: Marriage
Carpenter was married at age 25 to a 19 year old Ellen Heattle. She gave birth to their three children over the following 5 years.
Planetary Years
25 marks the activation of the Moon by planetary years. The Moon is the sect light of the chart and separates from Mercury (ruler of VII in VII) to apply to Venus (in VII). The Moon naturally signifies the mother and personal life, and here is accidentally connected with status/reputation (10th house) and marriage (Mercury-Venus in VII) among other things.
Primary Directions
The marriage was on November 5th, 1955, when Carpenter was 25.5 years old. By primary directions, Venus directed to the natal Sun within a week of the wedding.
Carpenter’s Direction of Venus to the Sun at age 25.5
Age 30: Assault and Attempted Murder
While still married, Carpenter attacks a woman. He tied her with a clothesline and tortured her with a knife and claw hammer. A military officer responds to the screams. Carpenter tries to shoot him but misses and then is shot twice by the officer. Later in the year, he is tried and sentenced to 14 years (only 8 will be served). Additionally, he is diagnosed with sociopathic personality disorder at this time.
Planetary Years
30 marks the activation of Saturn by planetary years. I have noted that Saturn is particularly associated with the father, sense of identity, and the worst malefic significations in the chart. Saturn and Mars are in an intense applying square with Saturn dominating. Saturn also signifies isolation (imprisonment).
Primary Directions
Interestingly, Saturn directs to the Ascendan while the square of Saturn (11 Libra) directs to the Moon, both at age 30. Again, the activation of Saturn reflects the native having to come to terms his actions and do hard time.
David Carpenter Age 30 Directions of Saturn
Age 39: 2nd Marriage and Multiple Rapes
Unfortunately, Carpenter was paroled after only 8 years. Less than a year later he was married to his second wife, Helen. However, less than 6 months after marriage, in late January and early February 1970, he was involved in many violent crimes. The period is of interest for its intensity with two rapes, multiple attempted rapes, stolen cars, home invasion, and kidnapping all within the span of a week. The crime spree culminated in his arrest on February 3, 1970. He also briefly escaped from jail in April. He was convicted at age 40 through a plea bargain.
Profection
His lucky break of being paroled, his marriage, and his out of control sexual aggression relate to activation of Venus and Jupiter in the chart. The profection is to the 4th house, Pisces, making Jupiter lord of the year. Jupiter is with Venus and both are influenced by Mars. Note that by Valens-style profections, it is also the case that Jupiter and Venus profect to the Moon (House of Affliction), Saturn profects to Mars, and Mars profects to its twelfth-part and the Moon (ruler of the 8th). The strong role of the benefics in the year make it a complex time – one of a release from prison, a marriage, and a sudden slew of rapes.
David Carpenter’s Birth Chart
Primary Directions: Distributor
During the release from prison, the marriage, and the rapes, Venus was the distributor of the Ascendant. Around the time that Carpenter was convicted, Saturn took over as distributor. This echoes the benefits of Venus running into the problematic sexuality of Venus, then the dark isolation of Saturn.
David Carpenter Distributors in his thirties and early forties
Solar ReturnThe solar return has echoes of many of the Venus and 7th house themes discussed. Gemini, the natal 7th house, rises in the return. Return Mercury is in Gemini conjunct natal Venus. Jupiter is advancing in the return and rules the MC (gift of status).
David Carpenter Age 39 Solar Return
However, we also see some echoes of the themes of sexual aggression. Return Mars is in the 7th of the return, 1st house of the natal chart. It is in the house of the other for the year from the house of the self in the natal chart. There is an application between srVenus and srMars echoing he natal chart. Importantly, srVenus is at 11° Aries conjunct natal Mars within 2 degrees and ruled by natal Mars. The srMoon is with nSaturn while srSaturn is with the nSun.
Transits
We know that the crimes of the year took place in a short period of time from January 27th to February 3rd of 1970. A look at the transits kicking off the crime spree reveals many interesting things.
David Carpenter 1-27-70 Transits Along Natal
The crime spree takes place during a Mars return as tMars entered Aries just a few days prior. It actually kicks off with the tMoon’s opposition to nMars. Jupiter, the lord of the year, was transiting in Scorpio, Carpenter’s 12th house, ruled by Mars. Mercury transits in Carpricorn with natal Saturn. Saturn is transiting in the 6th through the house and bound of Venus, with his malice directed along sexual dimensions. Transiting Saturn overcomes the Moon by trine, echoing the natal Moon-Saturn trine.
Arrest
The entire crime spree took place during the period between the transiting Moon’s opposition to natal Mars and her conjunction with natal Saturn. Carpenter is arrested soon after.
02/03/1970 Day of Arrest Transits
Age 49-50: Serial Killer
Sadly, Carpenter was paroled to a halfway house shortly after his birthday in 1979, after serving less than 9 years. Within months of his release he had become a serial killer. Previously, he had not killed anyone. It is believed that he killed at least 10 people between August 1979 and May of 1981. Most of his victims were women hiking along scenic trails in the San Francisco area. Many of the victims were raped. He was arrested just after his 51st birthday.
Planetary Years
Age 49 is an activation of Sun-Saturn relationships by planetary years. On its own Sun-Saturn configurations often crop up at time of death, as the Sun signifies vitality and Saturn signifies loss. As noted previously, the twelfth-parts of Saturn and the Ascendant are in Taurus with the Sun. Additionally, the Sun and Saturn are trine each other across the dark 2nd and 6th houses, with Saturn overcoming the Sun. I had noted how this configuration relates to the father as well.
David Carpenter’s Birth Chart with Twelfth-Part Positions Along Outer Wheel
Profections
Ages 49 and 50 are profections to the 2nd and 3rd houses. Therefore, Saturn was the lord of the year for both years that Carpenter was an active killer. Additionally, Saturn occupies the 2nd house, further highlighting Saturn’s significance the year the killings began.
David Carpenter’s Birth Chart
Solar Return Age 49
We see the lucky Jupiter and the aggressive sexuality highlighted in the solar return. The return has srVenus in srVII and ruling the return Ascendant. It also has srJupiter on the srMC (gift of status; release from prison). However, note that srVenus is in Aries, ruled by and occupied by nMars. Additionally, she is with srMars and srMercury, indicating aggression with intent. Additionally, we see the lunar return in the solar return, but one with srSaturn, emphasizing the Saturn-Moon relationship noted in the natal chart.
David Carpenter Age 49 Solar Return
Conclusions
I could go on and analyze each murder and the ensuing arrest. For instance, the Moon and Mars were transiting in Cancer at the time of the 1st murder. However, due to time constraints I will wrap things up.
Beyond the Superficial
The chart of David Carpenter is interesting on a number of levels. I believe it is impossible to accurately see the key associations in this life without using the twelfth-parts, lots, and other such hidden factors. Additionally, we see the importance of detailed delineation in which things like possible stations, twelfth-parts, antiscia, and the lots are checked. In fact, it may be that much of the key information in every chart is actually less apparent. Such hidden information tends to be more individualized and to indicate things that are less superficial. By contrast, easily apparent indications like dignity by sign can easily lead one astray if misinterpreted.
Additionally, we see the importance of special techniques. Unusual features of a life don’t typically stand out at face value in the natal chart. Special techniques such as that for finding unusual aggression in the chart are vital. We see additional promise with the technique of using the Lot of Boldness, as we did for James Holmes.
Confirmation through Timing Techniques
Even when delineation is difficult, we find that the principles behind the best predictive techniques can help us make sense of important events. We see repeated and reinforced activation of the relevant factors that were identified in the delineation. In fact, we can use timing techniques to test our hypotheses about the significance of certain houses and other factors in the natal chart.
For example, on a superficial level Carpenter’s Moon appears strong and even benefic. Through timing techniques and a closer look at indications involving the mother we see Virgo, the Moon’s house, crop up time and again. Many of the events are true to its role as the House of Affliction. For instance, see the lunar return with Saturn conjunct the natal Moon at the 49th solar return. Factors are often mixed in signification, and sometimes their significations can have a very broad range across positive and negative dimensions. In Carpenter’s case, the wide range of significations may be exacerbated by the mutability of signs of many factors (dualistic or vacillating).
Loose Ends
While it is grim subject matter, all astrologers should check this chart out and keep it in mind. Delineation is very difficult and we still have many unanswered questions. A big part of delineation is understanding the central tendency and spread of various factors. We compare indications, look for repeat indications, and try to come to some conclusions about the most probable possibilities. In all of this we need to know the relevant factors for a given subject matter and how to prioritize and integrate them.
As you come to refine your own art of chart interpretation, return often to this chart to test your methodology. Carpenter is a complex individual but a severely damaged and destructive one. In untangling the web of his chart one faces many tough interpretive decisions. Ultimately, we want to make the same decisions, with the same interpretive principles and priorities, with every chart. Otherwise, where shall we start with the chart of someone we don’t know?
In the last lesson, we looked at the places, a vital method of assigning topics to houses. The places assign topics to the signs, the houses of the planets, based on their order of rising after birth. The aspect system (dealt with in Lesson 5) and the symbolism of the Ascendant were used as aids in understanding the meanings of the places.
In this lesson, we turn to the lots. The lots are another critical method of assigning topics to houses. Planetary configurations and the symbolism of the Ascendant are also integral to lots.
Lots are a critical element of thorough chart delineation. Without them, we will often find that we lack the confirmation that we need in order to confident about something the natal chart appears to indicate. Equipped with the factors discussed in this and prior lessons, we will be ready to start delineating any topic from the natal chart. Guidelines for delineation will be the subject of the next lesson.
Game Plan
There is a lot of ground to cover in this lesson. Hellenistic astrologers differed considerably in the extent to which they used lots. It is likely that all Hellenistic astrologers used at least one lot, namely the Lot of Fortune. However, some notable Hellenistic astrologers used about two dozen lots. There are also lots derived from lots, places from Fortune, predictive techniques involving lots, and more.
There are two sections to this lesson. First, I’ll provide some background information to contextualize the place of the lots in astrology. This includes the history of lots and their rationale. Next, I’ll explore which lots are most important, who used them, and in what ways. I’ll be providing some quick examples of using many of the lots. Along the way I’ll also show how to calculate lots in free software and indicate some key sections of texts for further research.
Lots are typically part of a deep dive into a specific topic of the natal chart and their use in isolation is often less telling. However, due to time constraints and for the purpose of brevity, examples in this lesson will be brief. They will tend to just point out a couple interesting ways in which the lot connects with the individual’s life. However, like any single chart factor, on its own, without confirmation from other factors, we cannot proclaim what it indicates for someone’s actual life.
What’s Covered
I will specifically discuss what appears to be 10 lots. However, as we get to the the lots of Children and Marriage, we’ll see quite a few alternatives which quickly increase the number of lots we’ll be handling. The lots addressed are those of Fortune, Spirit, Love, Necessity, Affliction/Injury, Father, Mother, Siblings, Children, and Marriage. I will also provide some tips on where to look for information on additional lots.
Le Giocatrici di Astràgali by Antonio Canova (1799)
Section I: Background
Lots to Miss
Lots were commonly used in the Hellenistic and Medieval astrology but tend to be ignored in modern astrology. Even among today’s traditional astrologers, the lots do not appear to be used regularly or extensively. This is because they were marginalized in European Renaissance astrology and are ill-understood today. By contrast, they were ubiquitous in ancient astrology of the first millennium.
For the reason mentioned above, the Lot of Fortune and Daimon have great influence on undertakings and their outcomes. The former gives information about matters concerning the body and concerning the work of hands. Daimon and its ruler give information about spiritual and intellectual matters and about the activities of giving and receiving. It will be necessary to examine the places and the signs in which their houserulers are located and to correlate their natures, in order to learn the type of activity and fortune and the quality of activity <to be expected>. (Valens, Book II, Ch. 20, Riley trans., 2010, p. 35)
Early and Ubiquitous
The earliest full texts of Hellenistic astrology make reference to lots. Additionally, their authors note that the lots were discussed in their earlier, now lost, source material. Therefore, the use of the lots predates our earliest surviving Hellenistic texts. Hellenistic astrologers of the first five centuries CE who favored lots tended to use about two to three dozen of them. Lots continued to be very popular in Medieval astrology. In the Medieval Perso-Arabic astrology of al-Qabisi and Abu Ma’shar (9th-10th century) it was not unusual for astrologers to provide formulas for more than six dozen lots.
Repeating Topics and Confirmation
As with the twelfth-parts of the zodiac (another ubiquitous feature of Hellenistic astrology), the neglect of the lots leads to an incomplete picture. Without the twelfth-parts, we miss seeing the more personalized and fine-tuned planetary placements. Without the lots, we miss seeing the more personalized and fine-tuned topical assignments. The places assign topics in the same order for every chart, while the arrangement of topics by lots is particular to each chart.
The key to delineation is confirmation. Too often astrologers read one indication in the astrological chart as if it strongly indicates a specific thing in the person’s life. However, without repeat indications from similar factors in the chart, that one factor is rather insignificant. For instance, we cannot accurately judge relationship matters on the state of Venus alone. Venus, her twelfth-part, the seventh place and its lord, the relationship between the Sun and Moon, the Lot of Love, the Lot of Spirit, and some of the Lots of Marriage may all figure into the delineation.
What’s a Lot?
A lot assigns a topic to a house (i.e. a sign). This is typically done by measuring the distance in the zodiac between two points and then counting that same distance from the Ascendant to end up in a certain sign of the zodiac. That sign is the house of the lot. For instance, the sign where we find the Lot of Fortune is the House of Fortune.
Most lots take the distance from one planet to another plant, and count that distance from the Ascendant. However, some lots take the distance from a lot to another lot, a lot to a planet, a planet to a lot, or a planet to the beginning of a sign, and count that from the Ascendant. There are also some lots in which the distance is counted from another planet or point rather than the Ascendant.
Winning the Lottery by Being Born
The name “lot” evokes lotteries and drawing lots. As the lots assign topics to signs in a more indirect and haphazard manner, they are more strongly associated with apparent “chance” circumstances. It is as if the chart is a roulette wheel. Your birth marks the end of the spin. Based on the position of the Ascendant at birth, topics get dropped into different houses of your chart.
Arabic Parts
Today, the lots are often called Arabic Parts. This is due to a misunderstanding in late traditional astrology. Ptolemy’s astrology was thought to be representative of astrology of the Hellenistic period (which is incorrect). He only made use of one lot, Fortune. Therefore, it was assumed that all of the other lots were invented by the Arabs.
The association of the lots with the Arabs coupled with European prejudice against all things Arabic led to the decline of the use of the lots. Today, the places are still frequently used in some form. By contrast, the lots are rarely examined. This is a shame as both were key methods of assigning topics in Hellenistic astrology. Without the lots you will miss many of the important indications in the chart.
Finding Lots
Let’s try finding a lot. The most famous one is the Lot of Fortune, also called the Lot of the Moon. It has special significance for circumstances of the body and things of a physical or substantial nature in general. We find Fortune by taking the distance from the sect light to the non-sect light (Sun to Moon by day; Moon to Sun by night). If the Sun is above the horizon in the chart then it is the sect light. If below the horizon then the Moon is the sect light. We then follow the same distance, in the same direction, from the Ascendant. We note the degree and house where it lands.
I show this below with Fortune in the 14th Dalai Lama’s chart. Fortune is typically pictured as a circle with an X inside it. This is a treasure map reference. Find the distance from the sect light (Moon) to the non-sect light (Sun), and then project the same distance, in the same direction, from the Ascendant. In this case, Fortune falls in Taurus, the 11th place, at 10° Taurus, ruled by Venus and in the bound of Mercury.
The Dalai Lama XIV’s Natal Chart
Lots in Morinus Software
Software programs tend to use algebraic formulae for lots, which can be a bit confusing. The key to reading a formula like that is to work backwards. For instance, the formula “Asc + Moon – Sun” means take the distance from the Sun to the Moon and project it from the Ascendant. This is the day formula for Fortune.
All of the major lots discussed in this article are covered. As long as you put Fortune as Lot 1 and Spirit as Lot 2, the formulae for Love and Necessity (shown as 4 and 5 in the screenshot) should work no matter where they fall on the list. You can get to the lot entry screen by clicking Option from the menu bar and then clicking Lots.
Options > Lots
Lots and Topics
The Hellenistic lots are similar to the places. They both are means of attributing life topics to the signs of an astrological chart. Both are also of ancient origin, appearing in the early strata of Hellenistic astrology. However, the places (houses) assign topics according to the order of the rising of the signs while the lots do so by projecting the distance between factors in the chart. The lots are not used instead of the places but rather in addition to them. They bring additional topical significations to a house.
The lots are used to assign topics to houses in all branches of astrology, not just natal astrology. Dorotheus used the lots in the earliest electional astrology. Hellenistic and Persian astrologers used lots in mundane astrology. Lots were used in horary astrology from the beginning. In fact, Dorotheus used the Lot of Fortune as a symbol of lost property in inceptional astrology in the 1st century CE.
How to Use the Lots
In the last two lessons, we explored the way in which planets modify the significations of other planets and houses. This happens through planetary relationships by rulership and configuration. To review, a planet in a house has a direct influence on the characterization of the house. Planets regarding the house will have varying degrees of influence. Influence is stronger from the right side (i.e. the one further clockwise), especially right side squares. Similarly, a house (and planets in it) will be influenced by and somewhat dependent upon the rulers of the house.
Delineate Like the Places
While the degree of the actual lot can be significant, lots are best analyzed like the places. In fact, as with the places, houses are named for the topic of their lot. Firmicus Maternus (4th century CE) introduced a coupled dozen lots in Ch. XXXII of Book VI of his Mathesis. Each lot in that chapter is referred to not as a lot or a part, but as a house. In this way, there is a house of the father assigned by the places (the 4th house) while there is another more particular house of the father assigned by the lot.
If you want to collect the House of the Father by the method of degrees, and it is a diurnal nativity, you should compute the whole number of degrees from the degree of the Sun up to the degree of Saturn, viz. of all the signs which are from the Sun up to Saturn, and when you have made the complete sum of the number, then beginning from the degree of the ASC, you will divide that number, which was obtained, among all the signs, assigning thirty degrees to the individual signs; and in that sign in which the last degree has fallen, that same sign shows you the House of the Father. (Maternus, Book VI, Ch. XXXII, Holden trans., 2011, p. 387-388)
Rulers and Aspects Revisited
Review the discussion about the delineation of the places in the last lesson as well as the lesson on configurations. Rulership and aspects from the lights are indicative of power. Benefics indicate benefits and malefics adversity. A planet in a house will have a more direct bearing on matters of the house. The rulers will show responsibility and support, so they can contextualize and indicate stability or lack of it. It is best to see the rulers of the lot strengthened. A weakened or malefic ruler, or hard aspects from malefics, bring difficulty. The nature of the sign is also important, as discussed in the lesson on the signs.
For example, an out of sect Mars in the house of Fortune would signify adverse material circumstances. If the same Fortune and Mars are dominated by Jupiter (i.e. Jupiter squares from the right side) then this signifies positively regarding material circumstances. In such a case, one indication may be that an activation of Mars can directly upset the health or other material circumstances. A subsequent activation of Jupiter may intervene to set things back on good footing.
neither the tropic nor the solid nor the bicorporeal signs will have the same overall effects. It is therefore necessary to examine the aspects or the conjunctions of the stars relative to the Lot: for example, a benefic in conjunction or in aspect with the Lot will be a sign of good and a giver of property. A destructive star <in conjunction or in aspect> will be responsible for loss of goods and sickness of the body. (Valens, Book II, Ch. 18, Riley trans., 2010, p. 34)
The Place of the Lot
Some Hellenistic astrologers also looked at the place occupied by the lot. For instance, Dorotheus considered Fortune in the difficult 6th or 12th house to be particularly bad. He noted it as an indication of slavery (Book I, Ch. 10) and poverty (Book, I, Ch. 28). Valens similarly associated difficulty with a lot in a bad place or a cadent one.
First of all it is necessary to determine the Lot of Fortune and to see in what part of the cosmos it is located: at an angle, just following an angle, or just preceding an angle. Likewise look for the ruler of the Lot. If it is in the Ascendant during the day or is in some other operative place, with the sun, the moon, or benefics in aspect, it will make the native noble, distinguished, and fortunate. Its effects are more moderate when it is found at the other angles or just following an angle. When it precedes an angle, assume <the nativity to be>
stillborn or abandoned—these are the disagreeable places which bring crises and ruin. (Valens, Book II, Ch. 18, Riley trans. 2010, p. 34)
Notes on Using the Place of the Lot
To begin with, use the place significations only in terms of power (the stakes), good (good places), and bad (dark places). Keep indications from getting too muddled by holding off on combining the topic of the lot with the topic of its place. However, as you get more experienced with using lots, you will find times when the lot topic does connect significantly with the topic of the place.
Side Note on Lot Place in Elections
Dorotheus also used the place of Fortune in elections regarding legal cases (Book V, Ch. 34). Fortune in I or II indicated success in the matter to the one seeking (plaintiff). Fortune in VII or VIII indicated success to the one sought (defendant). In this usage one sees a combination of the material indications of Fortune with those of the I (self) and VII (other) and their succeedent houses.
Predicting with Lots
One of the most effective ways to use the Lots in predictive work is to profect them. In fact, Vettius Valens (2nd century) provided extensive commentary on how to analyze profected lots. For more on this see my article on Valens-style profections and my article on the four principal lots of Valens. Lots are also used in solar returns, transits, planetary years, and other predictive techniques in a manner similar to the places.
Lots in Mundane Astrology
One reason the number of lots greatly multiplied in the Medieval period is the increased interest in mundane astrology. Mundane prediction can involve using lots specific to particular weather patterns, commodities, and political activities in charts of equinoxes, solstices, and lunations. For more on the mundane use of lots see the Astrology of the World series of translations by Ben Dykes.
Names Can be Misleading
The key to using lots rests in understanding what they signify. In order to do this, you need to be familiar with the ways that the ancient astrologers used the lots. Studying source texts and comparing what different astrologers said about an identical lot is the best means of doing this.
Often multiple lots go by the same name. Sometimes the different lots actually signify different but related things. In that case, it helps to look at the way astrologers actually used each lot. However, sometimes there’s a difference of opinion among astrologers as to the best lot to use for a specific topic. In such a case, you must come to your own conclusion about which lot is best for a topic through experience with the lots. There are also times when the same lot is used by different astrologers but they appear to be different due to a writing or scribal error.
Example: Love and Necessity
Take for example the lots of Love and Necessity. Valens (2nd century CE) heavily stressed the importance of these lots. The Lot of Love also appeared in excerpts of material attributed to Dorotheus. However, in the 4th century, Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century CE) used different Love and Necessity lots (i.e. different formulas) said to come from a (now lost) text by Hermes. Firmicus Maternus (4th century CE) also used lots for Love and Necessity, which are consistent with the Valens lots but have reversed formulas. The Maternus case is likely due to a scribal error, as he reversed many lots including the Lot of Spirit in the same text. Later medieval astrologers tended to adopt the Love and Necessity lots used by Valens despite awareness of those of Paulus.
Therefore, we have a situation of two different sets of lots for Love and Necessity, as well as formula variants for one of the sets. By reading only the later Hellenistic astrologers, Paulus and Maternus, we could end up with lots that are unusual (and less effective) or those with reversed formulas. Through an analysis of the earlier authors (Valens and Dorotheus) and of Medieval authors, we come to understand the more typical of the alternatives and the correct formula.
Start Small
Too many astrologers try to use lots based on their names alone. Software programs can dump every conceivable lot onto a chart. It is tempting to do so and let the names guide the way. However, the names often do not adequately capture the significations of the lot, so please avoid this approach.
Start with a manageable set of 4-12 lots for general chart work. Reserve other lots for deep analysis of specific topic areas. In this article, I’ll provide you with information on the most important lots of Hellenistic astrology.
Understanding Lot Formulas
It can be helpful to understand how lots relate to the significations of the planets and why the order can matter. Chris Brennan’s paper “The Theoretical Rationale Underlying the Seven Hermetic Lots” (2010) explores the rationale of lot construction. He does this by examining the “Seven Hermetic Lots of the Planets” as discussed by Paulus (4th century CE).
Brennan (2010) focused on these planetary lots in his analysis. I don’t address the use of most of these lots in this article because they are not as significant. However, Brennan’s paper on the rationale of these lots is required reading for serious students of the lots. This is because the patterns Brennan explored are relevant to understanding the rationale behind many lots used in Hellenistic astrology.
The Approached Planet
The Lot of the Sun (Spirit) by day is from the Moon to the Sun. Notice that it is named for the approached planet. Also, it is from the non-sect light to the sect light; from darkness to light. The Lot of the Moon (Fortune) by day is from the Sun (sect light) to the Moon (non-sect light). It is from light to darkness. The Lot of the Sun has to do with “lighter” topics as well, things of a mental or social nature. Physical and tangible matters are signified by the Lot of the Moon. The planet one moves toward in these cases has a greater sense of finality or importance.
Associative Clusters
The lots of the other 5 planets also display an interesting rationale. Brennan (2010) explained that the lots of the benefic planets involve the benefic and Lot of the Sun. Those of the malefic planets (and Mercury) involve the malefic (or Mercury) and the Lot of the Moon. In this way, the more active and mental Lot of the Sun relates more to the nature of the benefics. By contrast, the more passive and physical Lot of the Moon relates more to the malefics. This shows two sets of loose associations. There is on the one hand an association between day, sect, the benefics, and more mental and social circumstances. On the other hand, night, being out of sect, the malefics, and more physical and tangible circumstances coalesce.
Ancient dice and game pieces from the Museo de Albacete, Spain.
Section II: The Most Important Lots
There are dozens of lots mentioned in Hellenistic texts. Where does one begin? The number of lots can be overwhelming. It can also be confusing when there are alternative lots which pertain to the same or similar topics. About two dozen lots were popular in the Hellenistic period. Most of them pertain to family members and more general significations about life. Those lots continued to be used routinely in later Medieval astrology. We will focus on the most important of those lots.
A Note on Lot Formulas
In what follows, I will refer to the formula of a lot as “from A to B”. Unless otherwise noted, this means that the lot is taken from point A to point B by day, with the reverse distance taken by night. The distance is always projected from the Ascendant to find the place of the lot, unless otherwise noted. In other words, “From A to B” projected from the Ascendant is the “diurnal” formula for the lot.
Fortune: From Sun to Moon
The Lot of Fortune is mentioned in the earliest Hellenistic texts, including Manilius and Dorotheus (1st century CE). Techniques involving Fortune were well-established in earlier now-lost foundational texts which early astrologers reference.
To my knowledge, all of the Hellenistic astrologers used Fortune. It is the most widespread lot. The only texts that seem to lack its mention are some that are fragments and some focused on a specific special topic. For instance, the Treatise on the Fixed Stars by Anonymous of 379 may not have mentioned Fortune (though an explanatory annotation to the text does mention it).
Sources
Manilius used only Fortune and eleven other “lots” which are actually the places relative to Fortune (Astronomicon, Book III, 77-202). Dorotheus of the same century used Fortune throughout Carmen (see Book I, Ch. 28). Valens (2nd century) used Fortune throughout the Anthology (see Book II, Ch. 3).
Ptolemy (2nd century) expressed a disdain for lots in the Tetrabiblos (Book III, Ch. 3) but still used Fortune for the delineation of a few matters (Book III, Ch. 4-5 & esp. Book IV, Ch. 2). Porphyry’s Introduction to the Tetrabiblos (3rd century) included Fortune as a significant factor when finding the chart ruler (Ch. 30) and in judging physical ailments (Ch. 50).
Firmicus Maternus (4th century) used Fortune throughout Mathesis (see Book IV, Ch. 17). Paulus Alexandrinus of the same century used Fortune in a few places in Introductory Matters (see Ch. 23), including analyses of occupation (Ch. 26) and length of life (Ch. 36).
Hephaistion of Thebes (5th century) used Fortune throughout Book II of the Apotelesmatics (see Ch. 11). Rhetorius (7th century) used Fortune throughout his Compendium (see Ch. 47-48).
Formula and Variations
The typical formula for the Lot of Fortune is from the Sun to the Moon, projected from the Ascendant. That formula is clearly evident in Manilius, Dorotheus, Valens, Ptolemy, Paulus, Maternus, and Rhetorius (example charts at end of Compendium). This formula is also typically reversed by night, though Ptolemy did not reverse it.
There are some conflicting accounts and confusing passages in some Hellenistic authors, namely Serapio, Valens, and Hephaistion. Valens noted that the source for Fortune’s formula came from a particularly confusing passage in a text attributed to Nechepso. Therefore, some of the conflicting accounts may have arisen from the lack of clarity in the source text. However, the most commonly used formula, reversed by night, was already clearly and thoroughly expressed early in the 1st century in Manilius (Book III, #176-202) and Dorotheus (Book I, Ch. 28, #11-12).
Meaning and Use
Of all the lots, Fortune has a meaning that is most closely associated with the Ascendant (1st Place) and its significations of the body and personal circumstance. For instance, it figures strongly in Hellenistic treatments of longevity, upbringing, illness, overall chart ruler, and professional aptitude. However, there are some ways in which its significations differs from those of the 1st Place. The 1st Place does figure into character and personality, whereas Fortune typically does not. Also, Fortune is a significant factor in the delineation of wealth and property, as well as status, matters typically related more to the 2nd and 10th Places. It is also called the Lot of the Moon, connecting it with the Moon’s importance and sense of physicality. The common denominator to all significations is material circumstance.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Lot of Fortune
Dorotheus used Fortune for the start of life (Book I, Ch. 4), bodily development (Book I, Ch. 9), and longevity (Book III, Ch. 2). These uses are consistent with Fortune’s connection with the body and health. He also used Fortune in looking at slavery (Book I, Ch. 10) and particularly in relation to material fortune, assets, and personal property (see Book I, Ch. 28; also inceptions Book V, Ch. 34 & 36). These uses reflect Fortune’s other primary significations of wealth and personal property. These are the primary associations of Fortune which persisted throughout the Hellenistic and Medieval periods.
The Part of Fortune shows the quality of life, the amount of inheritance, and the course of good and bad fortune. Also love and the affection of men toward women, the effects of child-care, and all desires. It shows the fatherland in an easy way. Abram called in the Place of the Moon. (Maternus, Book IV, Ch. 17, Bram trans., p. 136)
And Fortune signifies all things about the body and actions throughout life. It becomes indicative of acquisition, reputation, and privilege. (Paulus, Ch. 23, Greenbaum trans., p. 42)
Places Relative to Fortune in Valens
The similarity between Fortune and the Ascendant is evident in a number of authors. Fortune often comes up as a type of lesser Ascendant in signification. For instance, Dorotheus mentioned that if the triplicity lord of the Ascendant were weak by place (in the 12th, 6th, or 3rd) then one should look to the triplicity lord of Fortune for the matter of upbringing (Carmen, Book I, Ch. 4).
The Lot of Fortune and The Ascendant <I> life and livelihood (Valens, Anthology, Book II, Ch. 16, Riley trans., p. 30)
The use of Fortune as an alternative Ascendant sees its strongest expression in the Anthology of Vettius Valens. Valens gave Fortune and the Ascendant the same signification at one point (see quote above). He also delineated the ruler of the Ascendant and that of Fortune in one section giving them the same indications (Book II, Ch. 4). Additionally, he used places derived from Fortune with a meaning similar to those from the Ascendant. For instance, the 11th place from Fortune is called Accomplishment or Acquisition pertaining to good fortune with property and gifts (natal 11th pertains to good social circumstances). Furthermore, the 8th from Fortune is used for delineating the manner of death.
Stakes of Fortune
Valens also considered the “stakes” of Fortune to be very important places, much like the stakes of the 1st Place. These stakes of Fortune were used in predictive techniques like Zodiacal Releasing as particularly active signs of the chart. In a more opaque passage, Valens stated that the stakes of the Ascendant were the cosmic ones while those of Fortune were the natal ones. My understanding is that Valens considered Fortune even more important than the Ascendant in that it is more particular to the individual.
In addition, after finding the Place which has been assigned to Fortune, examine the points square with it and the other aspects, just as with the angles in the natal chart. The Lot itself will be equivalent to the Ascendant and will mean “Life;” the tenth place from it will be equivalent to MC and will mean “Rank;” the seventh will be the Descendant; the fourth IC. The other places will have the same effects as the <original> XII Places. Some astrologers have mystically hypothesized that the astronomical Ascendant and the points square with it are the Cosmic Angles, while the Lot and the points square with it are the Natal Angles […] (Valens, Anthology, Book II, Ch. 18, Riley trans., p. 34)
Notes on Fortune-Derived Places
While the stakes of any position were influential on the position in Hellenistic astrology, the use of derived places from Fortune is atypical. Manilius assigned lots relative to Fortune, but these have very different significations from the places from the Ascendant (see below). In practice Valens did not seem to use specific significations of the places from Fortune much apart from the 8th and 11th. As far as I know, only Rhetorius, following Valens, also advocated the use of some places derived from Fortune, such as Acquisition (11th from Fortune).
Typically, Fortune has a distinct but related meaning from the Ascendant and is of a lesser importance when compared with the Ascendant. I don’t advocate treating the places from Fortune as having the same effects as with those from the Ascendant. However, I do use them when I’m applying techniques from Valens that employ them.
Manilius and Lots from Fortune
Manilius assigned a topic to every place relative to Fortune. Though these places are called lots by Manilius and have meanings unique to him. The meanings assigned to the places relative to Fortune in Manilius are given in Book III of the Astronomicon. I briefly summarize the significations below.
Fortune – home and property
2nd from Fortune – warfare
3rd from Fortune – business, friends and associates
4th from Fortune – relationship with the law and politics
5th from Fortune – marriage
6th from Fortune – financial resources and stability
7th from Fortune – grim danger
8th from Fortune – social status and fame
9th from Fortune – children and parenting
10th from Fortune – character, tradition, and custom
11th from Fortune – strength and health (of paramount importance)
12th from Fortune – the fruit of our labors
Example
On its own, Fortune is not a good indicator for wealth or health. As part of special techniques for delineating each topic it has its place though. However, even without a deep dive into the general state of those topics, Fortune can be used as a predictive factor. The predictive use of Fortune is very useful in relation to chance occurrences involving the body and/or finances. The key here when looking at Fortune is not to judge the overall wealth or success based on Fortune, but to note the pleasant and difficult associations of Fortune by configuration.
Overall wealth or success is a very complex matter to delineate and pertains strongly to the fixed stars, the lights, and additional factors, more so than the Lot of Fortune. For instance, while Fortune in the 12th was said to indicate slavery, Ted Turner has Fortune in the 12th and is a billionaire.
Ted Turner’s Natal Chart (AA-rated birth time)
MC Hammer
MC Hammer (AA-rated birth time) has had a successful but particularly topsy-turvy financial history. Hammer’s Fortune is in great shape overall as it is in the 11th place (a good place), its ruler is a benefic in a good strong place and in phasis (Venus in the 10th), and Jupiter (the sect benefic) also regards the lot from the right side. However, we see multiple indications of threats to Fortune also. Mars is the out of sect malefic and most closely aspects the degree of the lot from the right side, albeit by sextile. However, Mars is also the ruler of the Sun and Venus in the 10th (which pertain to artistic honors). Saturn dominates the lot from a relatively close right side square in the 8th house (Aquarius).
The twelfth-part of Saturn (outside of the wheel) is also in the House of Fortune, while the twelfth-part of Mars is square the House of Fortune from the 2nd House of money. Additionally, the twelfth-part of Jupiter is conjunct natal Mars. Therefore, the twelfth-parts confirm the danger to Fortune from Mars and Saturn.
MC Hammer’s Natal Chart with Twelfth-Parts
Shortly after Hammer’s 27th birthday (1989) he signed a multi-record deal that was to make him millions over the next few years. However, by 1996, at age 34 things had taken a drastic turn for the worse. Hammer had overextended himself and was forced to file for bankruptcy. Additionally, he didn’t pay his taxes that year (and the next). The tax burden from that year would continue to haunt him over the next 15 years, as the government filed suit against him for it in 2011.
Distributors of Fortune
There are many approaches to those years in his life. We have not yet explored the use of predictive techniques in this series of lessons, but I would like to highlight one interesting predictive use of Fortune. In my article on the use of distributors in early primary directions, I discussed how different planets were activated as time lords by primary directions in Hellenistic astrology. Directing the Ascendant through the bounds is the most traditional approach, but other significant points in the chart were also directed through the bounds, including the Lot of Fortune. By directing Fortune through the bounds, a planet becomes the active time lord pertaining to Fortune for the period. A table of the time lords from 1984 to the present can be found below.
Hammer – Fortune Distributors
We see that the build up to the record deal and its signing occurred during a time when Jupiter was the distributor of Fortune. His peak success and peak income came when Venus was the distributor of Fortune. However, he faced some serious financial setbacks and consequences (including bankruptcy and tax problems) when Mars was the distributor. Interestingly, some of those problems resurfaced when Mars was distributor again (from late 2009 to mid 2017) in 2011 when he was sued by the government for his unpaid taxes.
As noted, Mars is the out of sect malefic. It not only most closely aspects Fortune but it also opposes the 2nd Place, has its twelfth-part in the 2nd Place, and connects with Jupiter in multiple ways. Has Mars really made Hammer poor during its periods? No. Hammer has lived a privileged life throughout the ordeal, which is why his bankruptcy had to be a Chapter 11 rather than a Chapter 7. However, the fact that Mars is an out of sect malefic and associates readily with money matters makes it a key planet to watch when problems crop up.
Spirit: From Moon to Sun
The Lot of Spirit is also called the Lot of Daimon (or Daemon), Lot of Religion, Lot of Faith, Lot of the Sun, and Lot of Absence. The Lot of Spirit is well established in many early Hellenistic texts, including Dorotheus (1st century CE) and Valens (2nd century CE). It was used by most of the notable Hellenistic astrologers.
The formula is from the Moon to the Sun, projected from the Ascendant (reversed by night). It is the inverse of that for the Lot of Fortune. The formula is consistent across sources, though Maternus has unintentional inversions of many lots including Spirit. These inversions are clearly errors as Maternus has Fortune and Spirit with identical formulas which would not make sense for his delineations.
Sources
Dorotheus of the same century used the Lot of Religion on a similar footing as Fortune in delineation of bodily development (Carmen, Book I, Ch. 9). Interestingly, Dorotheus also used it in synastry, where having Spirit in the same sign across charts is seen as an indication of harmony and suitability (Book II, Ch. 5).
Valens (2nd century) considered Daimon to be one of the 4 lots which are powerful enough to make a sign an “effective” sign of the chart (see Book IV, Ch. 11). He used Spirit throughout the Anthology and often as the more social and mental counter-part to Fortune. For instance, one of the predictive techniques of Valens, now called Zodiacal Releasing, involves moving Fortune and Spirit through the zodiac (see Book IV, Ch. 4). Valens also called the lot, “Intelligence” (Book II, Ch. 9), and “second Fortune” (Book II, Ch. 15), names which make clear its mental association and its importance.
Abram
This use of Spirit as a counter-part to Fortune may have originated with an astrologer named Abram. Firmicus Maternus (4th century) introduced Daemon right after his introduction to Fortune (Mathesis, Book IV, Ch. 18). He noted that it was known by Abram as the Lot of the Sun and is of similar importance as the Lot of the Moon (Fortune). Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century) also referred to Spirit as the Lot of the Sun and considered it in relation to character and capability (Introductory Matters, Ch. 23).
Others
Spirit also has bit parts in other early astrological texts and some later ones. For instance, Porphyry’s Introduction to the Tetrabiblos (3rd century) included Spirit in judging ailments (Ch. 50), along with the lots of Fortune and Injury. Rhetorius (7th century) also used Spirit for some physical ailments (Ch. 4; Ch. 14).
Meaning and Use
Like Fortune, Spirit has a meaning that is associated with the Ascendant (1st Place) but particularly its significations of the character and capability. These significations were sometimes more associated with its house ruler of the 1st than the place itself. Spirit figures into Hellenistic treatments of character, temperament, and professional aptitude. It also sometimes figures into the analysis of bodily ailments, and even for mental ailments (in Valens). The common denominator to all significations is mental and social circumstance, though with possible consequences for health as well. In the Middle Ages, the associations with the soul, intentions, and body persisted.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Lot of Spirit
Our best early sources for exploring Spirit are Valens, Maternus, and Paulus who all linked it with the mind and character.
Daimon mental activity (Valens, Book II, Ch. 16, Riley trans., p. 30)
For the reason mentioned above, the Lot of Fortune and Daimon have great influence on undertakings and their outcomes. The former gives information about matters concerning the body and concerning the work of hands. Daimon and its ruler give information about spiritual and intellectual matters and about the activities of giving and receiving. It will be necessary to examine the places and the signs in which their houserulers are located and to correlate their natures, in order to learn the type of activity and fortune and the quality of activity <to be expected>. (Valens, Book II, Ch. 20, Riley trans., p. 35)
This place is also called the essence of the soul; from this place we find professions and material goods; it shows the affection of women toward men. But also this place shows the fatherland clearly. (Maternus, Book IV, Ch. 18, Bram trans., p. 137)
Spirit happens to be the lord of soul, temper, sense and every capability, and there are times when it cooperates in the reckoning about what one does. (Paulus, Ch. 23, Greenbaum, p. 42)
Rhetorius also notably used Spirit for character analysis.
But if the Lot of the Daemon falls in Capricorn, it makes the native forbearing and changeable, but if in Aries or Leo or Scorpio irascible and stubborn. (Rhetorius, Ch. 48, Holden trans., p. 27)
Example
For an example of the use of Spirit in delineation and prediction, see my article on the four principal lots of Valens. In that article, I provided an example of Spirit in the chart of the 14th Dalai Lama.
Love: From Fortune to Spirit
The Lot of Love is also called the Lot of Eros, Lot of Desire, Lot of the 7th, and Lot of Venus. The Lot of Love is not the third most common lot of Hellenistic astrology, but appears third on this list as it is one of 4 lots which Valens considered most effective. It is probably present in Dorotheus (more on that below) but is clearest in Valens and Maternus.
The formula is from Fortune to Spirit, projected from the Ascendant (reversed by night). The formula is found in Valens, but is inverted in Maternus. As noted, Maternus has unintentional inversions of many lots. Paulus provided a different Lot of Eros (from Spirit to Venus) attributed to Hermes which was not as widespread. The Valens lot prevailed in the later Middle Ages.
Note that the inverse of this lot is the Lot of Necessity. Necessity has a special relationship with the Lot of Love and together with it and Fortune and Spirit, rounds out the 4 lots which Valens noted as “effective” houses. I explore all four lots and how they relate to each other in the article on the four principal lots of Valens.
Sources
Dorotheus made a reference to the Lot of the 7th in relation to configurations indicating that one’s death will involve friends (Carmen, Book IV, Ch. 3). In an excerpt attributed to Dorotheus (Excerpts XVI, #6; from Hephaistion), it is noted that the rulers of Eros are representative of one’s friends and the same formula is given for Eros as is found in Valens. These uses by Dorotheus are interesting because friendship and alliances are important associations of the lot.
Valens (2nd century) considered Love to be one of the 4 principal lots (including also Fortune, Spirit, and Necessity) which are powerful enough to make a sign an “effective” sign of the chart (see Book IV, Ch. 11). Its importance is also highlighted by its inclusion in the chapter naming the places, of which the only lots are the 4 principal lots (Book II, Ch. 16). Similarly, when discussing profections, he specifically advised to also profect the 4 principal lots (Book IV, Ch. 11 & Ch. 25).
Firmicus Maternus (4th century) referred to the lot as the House of Desires (Mathesis, Book VI, Ch. 32). Hephaistion claimed that Dorotheus used the “Lot of Eros” for synastry, but Hephaistion doesn’t define it (Book II, Ch. 23). Rhetorius (7th century) discussed a Lot of Venus or Love, but like most of his lots, he didn’t formulate it, so it’s unclear which Love was referred to (Ch. 47).
Meaning and Use
Love’s significations are most strongly connected to those of the 7th Place and to Venus. It pertains to desire, friendship, enjoyable alliances, and the arts. We see this in the use by Dorotheus (especially via Hephaistion) of the lot for matters concerning friends and synastry. Hephaistion also stated that sympathy between signs of equal ascension in synastry is stronger if this lot is found in those sympathetic signs across charts. For instance, Love in Pisces in the man’s chart and in Aries in the woman’s (or vice-versa) is an indication of harmony as the signs are sympathetic by equal ascension.
Love’s strong association with desire is present in Valens and Maternus. It was used in delineating sexuality (nature of desire, homosexuality, etc.) as well as friendship and what one does for pleasure (past time). In the late Middle Ages, it retained all of these associations. It is the most important lot for the delineation of relationship matters.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Lot of Love
Our best early sources for exploring Love are Valens and Maternus. Maternus only noted it pertaining to all types of desires. Valens briefly defined Love as pertaining to desire, but best described it when discussing profections.
Love transmitting or receiving in operative signs, with benefics in conjunction or aspect, brings about moral desires and makes men lovers of the good: some turn to education and physical or artistic training; they are softened by their delight in their hopes and they do not consider their forethought/goal a matter of difficulty<?>. Others are enchanted by love and intimacy with men and women, and they consider <this life> to be good. Mars and Mercury in aspect or in conjunction with this place (especially if they are in their own signs) make homosexuals, men criticized <for affairs> with both sexes, or those who are fond of weapons, hunting, or wrestling. Venus <in aspect or conjunction brings> intimacy with women; men when loved will sometimes love in return.
In the same way each star, when allotted this place <Love>, when in aspect, or when receiving the chronocratorship, will bring about the type of desire appropriate to its nature. In general, if malefics are in conjunction or aspect, desires will result in torment, penalties, and danger. Specifically, if Saturn is in conjunction or aspect with Venus and the moon, men will have shameful and unnatural loves, will be criticized for affairs with men and women, will suffer under scandal, or (even though repenting) will return to their old practices, overcome by passion. If Jupiter is also in aspect, what happens will be respectable, powerful, or religious. But if Mars and Mercury are in conjunction or aspect, or are receiving the chronocratorship, men will love wicked, criminal deeds: they become forgers, robbers, burglars, gamblers, and have a savage character. If Venus is also in aspect, they become poisoners, lechers, suicides, and so (according to the applicable chronocrator) they are entangled in loans, debts, and villainy, experience imprisonment and trials, and live in danger. This place is strong in many respects, and so pay much attention to it. (Valens, Book IV, Ch. 25, Riley trans., p. 90)
Example
For an example of the use of Love in delineation and prediction, see my article on the four principal lots of Valens. In that article, I provided an example of Love in an anonymous chart and that of Bill Clinton.
Necessity: From Spirit to Fortune
The Lot of Necessity is also called the Lot of Mercury. In the last Middle Age, it was sometimes also known as the Lot of Poverty or of Small-mindedness. The Lot of Necessity is the counter-part to the Lot of Love. It is also not among the most common lots of Hellenistic astrology, but appears fourth on this list as it is one of 4 lots which Valens considered most effective. It doesn’t appear to have been mentioned by Dorotheus but it was significant for Valens and Maternus.
The formula is from Spirit to Fortune, projected from the Ascendant (reversed by night). The formula is found in Valens, but is inverted in Maternus. As noted, Maternus has unintentional inversions of many lots. Paulus provided a different Lot of Necessity (from Mercury to Fortune) attributed to Hermes which was not as widespread. The Valens lot prevailed in the later Middle Ages.
Note that the inverse of this lot is the Lot of Love to which it is related. Necessity and Love, together with Fortune and Spirit, are the four principal lots of Valens.
Sources
Valens (2nd century) considered Necessity to be powerful enough to make a sign an “effective” sign of the chart (see Book IV, Ch. 11). Its importance is also highlighted by its inclusion in the chapter naming the places, of which the only lots are the 4 principal lots (Book II, Ch. 16). Similarly, when discussing profections, he specifically advised to also profect the 4 principal lots (Book IV, Ch. 11 & Ch. 25).
Firmicus Maternus (4th century) referred to the lot as the House of Necessity (Mathesis, Book VI, Ch. 32). However, Maternus says nothing of the meaning of the lot when introduced. Later, in Book VII, Ch. 24, Maternus reveals that it pertains to the fairness of sentencing in legal proceedings.
Rhetorius (7th century) discussed a Lot of Mercury or Necessity pertaining to war, anguish, hatred, and legal sentences (Ch. 47). However, like most of his lots, he didn’t formulate it, so it’s not clear which Necessity was referred to.
Meaning and Use
Necessity’s significations are most strongly connected to more negative associations of the 7th Place to challengers and open enemies, as well as to the 12th Place’s associations with enemies. It is also linked with Mercury. It pertains to how one deals with competitors, challengers, enemies, and other adversaries. When it is in a good state it shows a general state of prevailing in disputes and competitions, as well as fair treatment by the law. When it is in particularly bad state then it can show attack from enemies, condemnation, legal ruin, and unfair treatment by the authorities. Its associations with hatred, contentions, and legal troubles persisted in the late Middle Ages. While Love pertains to relationships we pursue, Necessity pertains to those relationships we have to deal with which we’d rather avoid.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Lot of Necessity
As noted, Maternus only noted Necessity in relation to fair treatment in court cases. Valens briefly defined Necessity as pertaining to enemies, but best described it when discussing profections.
Necessity transmitting or receiving in operative signs, with benefics in conjunction or aspect, brings family ties, associations with the great, and the downfall or deaths of enemies. If malefics are in conjunction, it brings lawsuits, judgements, and expenses. As a result men fail in their goals and live miserably. If the configuration is afflicted, men are condemned or ruined. (Valens, Book IV, Ch. 25, Riley trans., p. 90)
Note on Basis
While I don’t consider it one of the most important lots to consider, it is worth noting that either Love or Necessity will also be the Lot of Basis. Namely, whichever of Love or Necessity is below the horizon, this lot will be Basis. Valens discussed a Lot of Basis which pertains to personal power and leadership skills. Basis is examined with Fortune and Spirit, and another lot, the Lot of Exaltation. When these lots and their rulers occupy each other’s places it indicates personal power and social mobility. In the late Middle Ages, Basis was identified as being identical to Love and said to pertain to the physical appearance.
Example
For an example of the use of Necessity in delineation and prediction, see my article on the four principal lots of Valens. In that article, I provided an example of Necessity in the chart of Bill Clinton.
Affliction: From Saturn to Mars
The Lot of Affliction is also called the Lot of Injury, Lot of Chronic Illness, Lot of Accusation, or Crisis-Producing Place. I call it the Lot of Affliction after a translation of Rhetorius (by Holden) as that name seems to best encapsulate the many malefic associations of the lot. Its use was moderately widespread in Hellenistic astrology. It is most closely associated with the themes of the malefics and the 6th and 12th Places.
The formula is from the malefic in sect to the one out of sect (i.e. Saturn to Mars, reversed by night), projected from the Ascendant. The movement from the sect malefic to the malefic out of sect evokes a sense of going from bad to worse. Its formula is consistent in Hellenistic astrology. Associations with physical injury persisted in the Middle Ages, and the lot was also used as a Lot of Enemies. However, some of its other associations became tied to a Lot of Origin and the Oppressive Place which were projected from Mercury rather than the Ascendant.
Sources
Dorotheus (1st century) called it the “Lot of Chronic Illness” and judged the area of the chronic illness by the sign occupied by the ruler of the lot (Book IV, Ch. 2, #11-12). Maternus (4th century) similarly used the lot for delineating and predicting physical ailments and defects (Book VI, Ch. 32). The same technique was also discussed by Hephaistion (5th century; Book II, Ch. 14) and Rhetorius (7th century; Ch. 14 & 61).
Valens (2nd century) considered Affliction to pertain to crises and dangers of many sorts (Book V, Ch. 1). His lot name may be translated as the Causal Lot, the Lot of Accusation, or the Crisis-Producing Place. In addition, to his Dorothean use of the lot for health, Rhetorius also followed Valens in a discussion of the “Lot of the House of Afflictions” (Ch. 129, Holden trans.). In that discussion, Rhetorius associated the lot with general peril and danger, including exile.
Meaning and Use
The Lot of Affliction pertains most strongly to the most dangerous and difficult of circumstances. Traditional astrologers typically would look to the malefics and the 6th and 12th Places to better understand difficulty and unpleasantness. Affliction is particularly important because it can indicate harsh circumstances which are not otherwise obvious. The sign, its ruler, and the influences on the sign can help us to understand particularly touchy areas in life as well as potential health problems. Malefics afflicting this house and/or its ruler can show significant dangers. Benefics associating with this house can show considerable capability in handling crises.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Lot of Affliction
In relation to injury, Dorotheus provided a succinct approach which was elaborated upon by Maternus, Hephaistion, and Rhetorius.
There were men among the ancient scientists who calculated by day from Saturn to Mars and by night from Mars to Saturn, then they cast their number from the ascendent; wherever their counting reached or the number was used up, they saw what was the lord of that sign, then they said to what limb of the body this sign belonged, then they predicted that the chronic illness [would be] in such and such a limb of the body according to what was named fro that sign. Aries is the head, Taurus the neck, Gemini the two shoulders, Cancer the two hands and the chest, Leo the two sides and the heart, Virgo the belly and the tube of the back [spine], Libra the bladder which is between the two hips, Scorpio the male [organ] and the two testicles and the buttocks, Sagittarius the two thighs together, Capricorn the two knees, Aquarius the two shanks, [and] Pisces the two feet. (Dorotheus, Book IV, Ch. 1, #75-76, Pingree trans., p. 251)
Valens provided a good exposition of the associations of the lot with general danger.
With this having been established, it is necessary to prove by experience <the effectiveness of> still another place which I will demonstrate most abundantly: this is the Crisis-Producing Place, the place causative of terrors, dangers, and chains. Consequently this place is strong; for day births it is found by determining the distance from Saturn to Mars (for night births, from Mars to Saturn), then measuring the same distance from the Ascendant. It will be necessary to examine the location of this place to see if the sign of a malefic, or malefics themselves, are in conjunction or aspect. If they are, the nativities will be precarious, endangered, and easily destroyed. The nature of each star and sign will cause the particular type <of trouble>. Benefics in conjunction or aspect will cause a lessening of the evil or an escape from crises. (Vettius Valens, Anthologies, Book V, Ch. 1, Riley trans., 2010, p. 95)
Example
For examples of the use of Affliction in delineation and prediction, see my article on the Lot of Affliction. In that article, I provided examples involving Affliction in the charts of Jeffrey Dahmer, David Carradine, and an anonymous individual.
Mother: From Venus to Moon
The last five topics we will look at pertain to specific familial relationships. These are the lots of the Father, Mother, Siblings, Children, and Marriage. Many of these lots, especially those of the parents, were even more widespread than the lots of Love and Necessity in the Hellenistic period.
The Lot of the Mother is taken from Venus to the Moon (reversed by night), projected from the Ascendant. The lot is relatively uncontroversial across authors and is one of the most widespread lots after Fortune.
Sources
Dorotheus (1st century) introduced the Lot of the Mother in Book I, Ch. 15, after his discussion about the Lot of the Father. He didn’t state how it is used but the suggestion is that it is used like the Lot of the Father. Firmicus Maternus (4th century) did state that it is used exactly like that of the Father (Book VI, Ch. 32, #21-22). As both authors discussed the many uses of the Lot of the Father, they are the best sources for the use of both lots of the parents.
The Lot of the Mother has only a couple bit parts in the Anthology (Book II, Ch. 32 & 38). He used the same lot as other astrologers by day, but the text is corrupted concerning reversal.
Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century) defined the lot but said nothing about its use (Ch. 23). The lot is not discussed by Hephaistion (5th century) who instead relies heavily on the Moon for matters concerning the mother (Book II). Rhetorius did not define the lot but mentioned it in determining which parent will die first in the native’s life (Ch. 48).
Meaning and Use
As noted, our best sources for the use of the lots of the parents are Dorotheus and Maternus. Dorotheus looked at the condition and character of the parent by the the ruler of the lot. Placement of the ruler in the 6th, 8th, 3rd, or 12th was considered bad in this analysis. If the ruler of the lot was not regarding the lot or was opposed to the lot, then it was said to indicate that his assumed mother is not his real mother.
Maternus devoted the bulk of his chapter on the lots (Book VI, Ch. 32) on describing configurations involving the Lot of the Father. In the section on the Lot of the Mother, he noted that these indications apply to that lot in the same way. Maternus judged the wealth of the parent by the nature of the sign and whether benefic or malefic stars are in it or aspect it. The bulk of the section is devoted to examining the state of each possible house ruler of the lot. The character and status of the parent is tied to the nature of the ruler and its state.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Lot of the Mother
Therefore you will collect this House with a degree method, looking for everything thus, just as we have said that you ought to search for it in the House of the Father, namely the aspects of the benefic and malefic stars, also the powers of the houses and signs, and also the mixtures and proper blending of the aspects. Which, when you have brought together everything with an even-handed comparison, you will be able to explain the House of the Mother with true opinions. (Maternus, Book VI, Ch. 32, #22, Holden trans., p. 392)
See the quotes in the next section on the Lot of the Father, as the lot is used in the same way as that for the father. Also, see the quote below from Valens on step-parents.
Valens on Step-Parents
Valens has an interesting passage on step-parents. He takes the point opposite the Lot of the Mother or Father as like a Lot of the Stepmother or Stepfather. The corresponding step-parent is indicated if the ruler of the parent lot is in opposition to the lot (i.e. in the house of the step-parent) or the ruler of the lot of the step-parent is in the lot of the parent.
Concerning a stepfather, take the point directly opposite the Lot. If the ruler of the Lot of the Father happens to be at the point in opposition or if the ruler of the point in opposition happens to be at the Lot, this indicates a stepfather. Likewise if the <ruler of> the Lot of the Mother is found in opposition and the ruler of the point in opposition to the Lot of the Mother is found at the Lot of the Mother, this will correspondingly indicate a stepmother. (Valens, Book II, Ch. 32, Riley trans., p. 44)
Example
Barack Obama (AA-rated birth time) was raised by his mother and grandparents, as well as a stepfather. His parents divorced when he was 2 and his dad moved back to Kenya at that time. His father visited him only once (when he was 10) and passed in a car accident when he was 21.
Obama’s Natal Chart with Parent Lots
The character of the parent is usually shown by the nature of the ruler. The Lot of the Mother is ruled by Jupiter in the 1st House, a benefic placed in a strong house. This accords well with his relationship with his mother and her status. The Lot of the Mother is ruled by Mercury in the 7th House, which also accords well with the father’s status as a student. Note that Jupiter and Mercury are in opposition suggesting tension between the mother and father. Note also that Mars is on the Lot of the Father in the 8th Place of death. The divorce at age 2 happened when Mars was activated as lord of the year by profection of the Ascendant to Aries (see the intro article on profections). The death of the father when Obama was age 21, also happened when Mars was activated as lord of the year, this time by profection of the Ascendant to Scorpio.
The Lot of the Stepfather is in early Pisces. While there is not the interchange that Valens spoke of between the ruler of Father and Stepfather, note that the Lot of the Stepfather is with that of the mother, and its ruler is also the 1st House Jupiter. His mother was married to his stepfather for a long time, 15 years, and his stepfather had a strong influence on his life. Of course, this is just scratching the surface.
Father: From Sun to Saturn
The Lot of the Father is typically from Sun to Saturn (reversed by night), projected from the Ascendant. This formula was used by Dorotheus, Valens, Paulus, and Firmicus Maternus. Note that this lot is identical to the Lot of Power, Kingdom, or Supremacy of the Middle Ages, indicating an association with eminence.
While this lot is very widespread and the formula is uncontroversial, there is a special case variant. Dorotheus and Paulus suggested one should use an alternative formula if Saturn is under the beams of the Sun (i.e. Saturn within 15° of the Sun). In such a case, one is to go from Mars to Jupiter, by both day and night (i.e. not reversed by night). Valens and Maternus did not mention this special case and its variant formula.
Sources
Dorotheus (1st century) introduced the Lot of the Father in Book I, Ch. 14. He described how it is used to judge the father’s character and condition. Firmicus Maternus (4th century) explored the lot in great detail in his chapter on the lots (Book VI, Ch. 32). As both authors discussed the many uses of the Lot of the Father, they are the best early sources for its use.
Valens (2nd century) does mention that some use an alternative formula which is from the Sun to Jupiter, projected from the Ascendant (Book II, Ch. 32). At one point he also suggested that by night one takes Venus to Moon instead of Sun to Saturn, though that appears to be a corruption given the significations of those planets. Overall, the lot has only a bit part in the Anthology (Book II, Ch. 32). See the above section on the Lot of the Mother for how Valens dealt with stepfathers.
Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century) introduced the lot but said nothing about its use (Ch. 23). The lot is not discussed by Hephaistion (5th century) who instead relies heavily on the Sun for matters concerning the father (Book II). Rhetorius (7th century) did not define the lot but mentioned it in determining which parent will die first in the native’s life (Ch. 48). Like Dorotheus and Valens, Rhetorius associate the lord of the lot in opposition to the lot as an indication that the father is not by blood (such as a stepfather).
Meaning and Use
As noted, our best sources for the use of the lots of the parents are Dorotheus and Maternus. Dorotheus looked at the condition and character of the parent by the the ruler of the lot. Placement of the ruler in the 6th, 8th, 3rd, or 12th was considered bad in this analysis. If the ruler of the lot was not regarding the lot or was opposed to the lot, then it was said to indicate that his assumed father is not his real father.
Maternus devoted the bulk of his chapter on the lots (Book VI, Ch. 32) to describing configurations involving the Lot of the Father. He noted that his procedure there (examining the aspects to the lot and state of its ruler) are applicable to all lots generally. Maternus judged the wealth of the father by the nature of the sign and whether benefic or malefic stars are in it or aspect it. The bulk of the section is devoted to examining the state of each possible house ruler of the lot. The character and status of the father is tied to the nature of the ruler and its state.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Meaning of the Lot of the Father
[…] for if you found its lord in a good position, it indicates the good of his father, and the condition of the father is known according to its place […] (Dorotheus, Book I, Ch. 14, Dykes trans., p. 83)
For if there were benefic stars in that very sign, or if they aspected it with a fortunate aspect, the good fortune of the father is found. But if malefic stars did that same thing, proclaim to us [that] everything about the father is contrary. (Maternus, Book VI, Ch. 32, #4, Holden trans., p. 388)
Example
Marvin Gaye (birth time A-rated) was killed by his father. The chart is interesting in that Saturn is under the beams of the Sun, so it invokes the need to use the alternative lot from Mars to Jupiter (name cut off but it is at 8°47′ in the chart below). I have written about Marvin Gaye’s death and the predictive indicators that accompanied it in a previous article. I will just briefly touch on the lot here and suggest reading the article to come to your own conclusions about how the lot may have also figured into that timing.
Marvin Gaye’s Natal Chart with Parent Lots
I have left in the typical Lot of the Father (in early Leo) for reference, but it should be ignored in this case. We are looking a the Lot of the Father from early Libra (the Combust one). The lot is afflicted by both malefics (square from Mars, opposed by Saturn) while both benefics are in aversion to it. The lot is also very closely opposed to Marvin Gaye’s Sun, the significator of his life and vitality. His death by the hand of his father occurred right on a New Moon solar return opposed to that lot and conjunct Saturn (lord of the 8th of death) with a profection that activated the planets in the 10th and Mars as lord of the year.
Siblings: From Saturn to Jupiter (not reversed)
The Lot of Siblings is also sometimes translated as the Lot of Brothers, but it pertains to both genders. Its formula is more controversial than those of the other lots we have looked at so far. This is because Valens and Maternus both reversed the formula by night, but Paulus explicitly advised not to reverse it. Dorotheus did not mention if the lot was reversed or not.
Between Paulus and Valens, I would normally take Valens as the more reliable source. However, Valens appeared to have only a passing familiarity with the lot, and Medieval authors citing Hermes as the source noted that it should not be reversed. Additionally, the lot is the inverse of the Lot of Children so if one should be reversed than the other should as well. Valens and Maternus did not use the Dorothean Lot of Children, and Dorotheus did not note whether it should be reversed. Paulus stated that the Lot of Children is not reversed, so I assume neither lot should be reversed.
There is a second lot of Siblings used by Dorotheus (from Mercury to Jupiter) which doesn’t appear to have been as widespread.
Sources
Dorotheus (1st century) introduced the lot to judge the number of siblings and the benefit or harm associated with them (Book I, Ch. 21 Dykes trans., Ch. 19 Pingree trans.). Dorotheus also used a second Lot of Siblings which is from Mercury to Jupiter, reversed by night (Book I, Ch. 23 Dykes trans., Ch. 21 Pingree trans.).
Valens (2nd century) briefly mentioned that some astrologers use the lot and they reverse it by night (Book II, Ch. 4). Firmicus Maternus (4th century) also reversed the lot by night but explored its delineation in more depth (Book VI, Ch. 32, #23-26).
Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century) stated the Dorothean formula for the lot but stated that it should not be reversed and said nothing about its use (Ch. 23). Hephaistion (5th century) mentioned a Lot of Siblings but did not define it (Book II, Ch. 6). Rhetorius (7th century) did not define the lot but in the example he used it can be inferred that the formula is the usual one by day (Saturn to Jupiter).
Meaning and Use
Dorotheus seemed to chiefly consider the planets in and regarding the Lot of Siblings. My impression is that a sterile sign (traditionally Leo, Virgo, or Capricorn) is indicative of a lack of siblings, while water signs are indicative of many siblings. The benefit or harm associated with the siblings comes from the regards of the benefics and malefics. The lord of the lot does not appear to be emphasized in relation to these delineations. The second Lot of Siblings is also used by Dorotheus for determining the number of siblings, as well as for finding their gender and the good associated with them from aspecting planets.
Firmicus Maternus reversed the formula by night. He similarly looked at planets in or aspecting the lot. For him benefics signified many siblings and good from them, while malefics signified the contrary. Masculine benefics confer male siblings while feminine ones confer female ones. If both benefics and malefics aspect the lot in an equally powerful way then Maternus suggests there will be siblings which will be lost.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Meaning of the Lot of Siblings
If you find a planet in it or aspecting it, then from this the matter of brothers will be made clear to you. If the lot happens to be in a sterile sign, then there is no good in his brothers (sterile are Leo, Virgo, Capricorn, and Aquarius, while great in number are Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces because some of them are signs of water and the rest of them keep the middle). (Dorotheus, Book I, Ch. 19, Pingree trans., p. 11)
If you wish to know what of love and other than that there is between him [the native] and his brothers, then look from the lord of the lot of brothers. If its lord aspects it from trine, it indicates love between them, and if it aspects from quartile, it indicates a medium amount of that love. If you find it in opposition to the lot, then it is an indicator of enmity and separation. If it [the lord] does not aspect it [the lot], it indicates the estrangement of one of them from the other. (Dorotheus, Book I, Ch. 20, Pingree trans., p. 11)
For if benefic stars are either found in that same sign, or if they are posited in fortunate houses of the nativity and in those signs in which they rejoice, or win which they are exalted , or in their own domiciles, they denote a group of many and good brothers. But if malefic stars do that same thing, devoid of the testimonies of benefic stars, they do the contrary. (Maternus, Book VI, Ch. 32, #25, Holden trans., p. 392)
And if the Lot of Brothers chances to be in those signs {water signs}, it gives, many brothers; but if the Lot chances to be in a sterile sign (that is, in Leo or Gemini or Sagittarius or Capricorn), it will make a scarcity of brothers, but in the rest [of the signs] a moderate number. And if the benefics aspect the Lot, they bestow life, but if the malefics aspect it, they bestow death. (Rhetorius, Ch. 108, Holden trans., p. 155, {} bracketed entry is mine).
Example
My mother (PA – birth time from certificate) is the oldest of 8 kids. She had 2 sisters and 5 brothers. Her closest sister in age died in a car accident in her twenties. She has had a relatively good relationship with her siblings but there have been clashes with her other sister and one of her brothers has struggled with mental illness.
PA’s Birth Chart with Lot of Siblings
The Lot of Siblings is in a water sign, which is indicative of many siblings. 4 planets aspect the lot and two of those are in the 3rd Place, which also pertains to siblings. Both benefics are in aversion to the lot while both malefics dominate it. We clearly see that the number of siblings is not determined by how well the benefics vs. malefics are configured to the lot. The fact that the ruler of the lot is with Saturn (ruler of the 8th), and Saturn dominates the lot (right side square) is consistent with the death of the oldest sister. It is worth noting that the twelfth-part of Jupiter is on the lot, which may be another indication of the multitude of siblings.
Children: From Jupiter to Saturn (not reversed) + Additional Variants
There are multiple variants of the Lot of Children. The most popular Lot of Children is that of Dorotheus which is from Jupiter to Saturn and is not reversed by night. Dorotheus does not mention a reversal. Paulus Alexandrinus insisted the lot is not reversed. The lot was not used by Valens or Maternus (both used different lots) so it is assumed that Paulus is correct. Therefore, I would not reverse the lot by night. However, this is controversial as many Medieval astrologers (including al-Qabisi and Abu Ma’shar) did explicitly reverse the lot by night.
Valens used two different lots, one for sons and one for daughters. I believe both should be considered. The Lot of Sons is from Jupiter to Mercury (not reversed). The Lot of Daughters if from Jupiter to Venus (not reversed). Maternus had a variant in which it appears that the shortest distance between Venus and Mercury was used. I won’t be considering the Maternus lot.
Sources
Dorotheus (1st century) introduced the lot but did not specify whether it should be reversed by night or not. It is assumed that it should not be reversed, following Paulus.
As noted, Valens (2nd century) used two different lots, one for sons and one for daughters.
Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century) stated the Dorothean formula for the lot but said nothing about its use (Ch. 23). Hephaistion (5th century) mentioned a Lot of Children and did not define it but did provide some pointers to its use (Book II, Ch. 22). Rhetorius (7th century) also didn’t define the lot but provided some pointers to its use (Ch. 48).
Meaning and Use
Dorotheus (Book II, Ch. 10) used the number of signs between the Lot of Children and its ruler to indicate the number of children. Malefic planets between them indicate bad things for the child. Generally planets in the stakes of the lot (except Saturn on the lot) indicate children. The Sun and Moon in stakes increase male or female children respectively. If no planet is in or regarding the lot then it indicates that the first child dies before birth or shortly after. The place of the lot is generally indicative of the good or bad from children (6th and 12th are worst). The sign type is important for number of children also (see quote below).
The approach of Valens (Book II, Ch. 39) to his Lot of Sons and Lot of Daughters is different than the approach of Dorotheus. Valens emphasizes the ruler of each lot and the aspects to that ruler (rather than to the lot itself). Benefic aspects to the ruler indicate children while malefics ones do not or may even indicate their loss.
Hephaistion (Book II, Ch. 22) noted that it is better if the lot is in a good place. In the 6th or 12th Place it is said to indicate a lack of children or hardship due to children. A lack of planets in the lot can also be indicative of a lack of children. Conversely, if the lot does indicate children then the sex of the sign may be indicative of the sex of one or more of the children.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Meaning of the Lot of Children
If the lot happens to be in a sign of few children, then it indicates a small number of children. If Saturn is with it, then it indicates that he will be sterile or will have few children or will be grieved with an intense grief on account of [his] children.
Jupiter and Mercury indicate children if they are in good places, but deny [it] if they are in the sterile signs, which are Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Capricorn, the beginning of Taurus, the middle of Libra, Aries, and Sagittarius. As for Aquarius and what is like this, it abounds in children, but Scorpio abounds in children and in deaths for them. (Dorotheus, Book II, Ch. 10, Pingree trans., p. 29)
Therefore, it is necessary to examine the houseruler of this Lot of Children, which is found as follows: for male nativities, this Lot is found by determining the distance from Jupiter to Mercury (for female, from Jupiter to Venus), then counting this distance from the Ascendant. If the ruler of the Lot of Children has malefics in aspect, it destroys children; if it has the Givers of Children in aspect, it is indicative of fine offspring. (Valens, Book II, Ch. 39, Riley trans., p. 54)
The gives of children referred to by Valens are Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury when unafflicted (according to Petosiris per Valens).
If the Lot of Children falls in a domicile of Saturn and a malefic aspects the lot, it destroys the first-born [children]; and if the Lot of Children falls in [either of the] domiciles of Mars and a malefic aspects the lot, it destroys the middle-born; but if the Lot of Children fall in [either of the] domiciles of Mercury, and a malefic is in aspect, it destroys the youngest-born. (Rhetorius, Ch. 48, Holden trans., p. 27)
Example
Adrienne Barbeau (AA-rated birth time) is an American actress, singer, and author. She was married to filmmaker John Carpenter in the early ’80’s with whom she had a son. She re-married, to Billy Van Zandt, later in life (at age 47) and gave birth to twin boys at age 51. I have included the Lots of Children from Dorotheus and Valens. I have also included the female marriage lots for those interested.
Adrienne Barbeau’s Birth Chart with Child and Marriage Lots
The Dorothean lot is complicated. It is in a water sign (Cancer) and in a good place (11th), while the ruler (the Moon) is in the lot, all of which is indicative of many children. However, Saturn is also there, indicative of lack of children. In this case, Saturn is suggestive of the advanced age of Barbeau at the time of the birth of her twins.
The lot and its ruler are in a feminine sign, and the Moon being feminine in the place is suggestive of daughters rather than sons. However, we know that is not the case. The Valens Lot of Sons is much more prominent than the Lot of Daughters though. Interestingly, the Lot of Sons is in the sign of the twins (Gemini) and conjunct Mercury. Therefore, the symbolism of twin sons is very clear from the Valens lot.
Marriage: Saturn to Venus for Men, Venus to Saturn for Women (not reversed) + Many Variants
Now we come to the least certain lot. There are many variants to the Lot of Marriage. Dorotheus provided five different lots related to marriage. The most important of those is from Saturn to Venus for male marriage (Lot of the Wife) and Venus to Saturn for female marriages (Lot of the Husband), neither of which are supposed to be reversed by night. These are the lots which were also used by Paulus Alexandrinus. These lots continued to be popular for marriage delineation through the Middle Age.
Valens provided three totally different marriage lots. His general Lot of Marriage is from Jupiter to Venus (reversed by night). His Marriage-Bringer Lot for men (Lot of the Wife) is from the Sun to Venus. His Marriage-Bringer Lot for women (Lot of the Husband) is from the Moon to Mars. Presumably, these marriage-bringer lots are not to be reversed by night. The marriage-bringer lots of Valens continued to be popular marriage lots through the Middle Ages.
Sources
Dorotheus (1st century) introduced his lots of marriage which I term the Lot of the Wife and the Lot of the Husband (Book II, Ch. 2-3). He also used a Lot of Pleasure and Wedding which is from Venus to the degree of the sign of the seventh, and is not reversed (Book II, Ch. 5). An additional Lot of Wedding is introduced as well which is from the Sun to the Moon but projected from Venus (for women) or Mars (for men), and is not reversed by night (Book II, Ch. 6).
Valens (2nd century) introduced his various marriage lots in a thorough discussion of all things related to marriage delineation (Book II, Ch. 38).
Maternus (4th century) also used Saturn to Venus for the male Lot of Marriage by day, but reversed it by night. He used a different lot for female marriage (from Mars to Venus, reversed by night). The reversal of the Lot of Marriage for men and the unique formula for the female lot of marriage appear to only be found in Maternus (Book VI, Ch. 32, #27-32). Maternus also mentioned a Lot of Marriage from the Sun the Moon from the Ascendant by day or night (Book VI, Ch. 32, #28)
Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century) stated the Dorothean formula for the lot but said nothing about its use (Ch. 23). Hephaistion (5th century) mentioned marriage lots at the very end of his treatment of marriage delineation but did not define any (Book II, Ch. 21). It really is not clear if Hephaistion was referring to “lots” at all. He may have been referring to positions relevant to marriage that were previously discussed. Rhetorius (7th century) did not define the lot so it is not clear which one he used (most likely Dorothean). However, he provided numerous indications concerning the placement and configurations of the lot in Ch. 48 (see p. 28 of Holden trans.; also see Ch. 66-67).
Meaning and Use
The use of all the many marriage lots is beyond the scope of this article. Such a discussion could probably fill a book of its own. The most influential sets of lots are the pair noted by Dorotheus and Paulus (Saturn to Venus; Venus to Saturn) and the pair noted by Valens (Sun to Venus; Moon to Mars). Let’s look at some of the ways that Dorotheus and Valens used these lots.
Dorotheus used Saturn to Venus for male marriage (i.e. wife) and Venus to Saturn for female marriage (i.e. husband) – neither is reversed by night. A planet in the lot or the stake of the lot is an indicator of marriage. If the indicator is in the 6th or 12th or a malefic is in a stake of the lot then there will be grief associated with the marriage. Mars in the stake of the woman’s lot (husband lot) indicates a woman who marries many times or sleeps around with men. The ruler of the lot is indicative of the character and condition of the marriage partner.
Valens used Sun to Venus for the male Marriage-Bringer Lot (i.e. wife) and Moon to Mars for female Marriage-Bringer Lot (i.e. husband) – neither is reversed by night. Interestingly, Valens puts a lot of stock into weather the male Marriage-Bringer is in harmony with his Lot of Spirit and the female Marriage-Bringer is in harmony with her Lot of Fortune. The nature of the rulers of the two lots and their relationship to each other figure heavily in his approach to marriage. Many stars in or in aspect to the lot show many marriages. The aspects of the planets to the lot also describe the nature of the marriage. The delineations are very complex for Valens, involving numerous related factors, so I recommend a study of his Book II, Chapter 38.
Hellenistic Astrologers on the Meaning of the Lot of Marriage
Look at the place (which I shall tell you) of the lot of wedding. Count from the degrees of Saturn to Venus and add to it the degrees of the ascendent [by day] or subtract it thirty at a time from the ascendent [by night]; wherever it reaches, then there is the lot of wedding. If you find any of those planets in this place or in quartile to it [the lot], then this is the indicator of the wedding. Look: perhaps then a malefic or a cardine of the lot is in the sixth or the twelfth so that this happens to be in a sign full of grief [and] scanty in benefit.(Dorotheus, Book II, Ch. 2, Pingree trans., p. 24)
For men the Place of Marriage should accord with Daimon; for women it should accord with the Lot of Fortune, because of the conjoining and uniting of the sun and moon. <If the Places do accord with the Lots>, the marriage will be judged harmonious and legitimate. If many stars are in conjunction or in aspect with the Marriage-bringer, there will be many marriages. (Valens, Book II, Ch. 38, Riley trans., p. 52)
The Lot of Adultery in Valens
As with his treatment of step-parents, Valens derives an additional lot by the point opposite to one of his marriage lots. His marriage lot from Jupiter to Venus has the Lot of Adultery as its point of opposition. The ruler of the Marriage Lot in the Adultery Lot and vice-versa are indications the native is an adulterer.
Calculate the Marriage Lot as follows: for day births, determine the distance from Jupiter to Venus (for night births, from Venus to Jupiter), then count this distance from the Ascendant. The point in opposition to this Lot is indicative of Adultery. If the ruler of the Marriage Lot is found in opposition, and if the ruler of the Lot of Adultery is in the Marriage Lot, the native will constantly commit adultery, then be reconciled, then having reconciled, be separated, then again rejoin his mate in the course of his adulteries. If the ruler of the Marriage Lot is at morning rising, the native will marry at an early age; if it is at evening rising, he will marry late. If the ruler is operative while setting, the native will have a jealous or an illegal marriage. The ruler of Marriage causes the first marriage, the benefics in harmony with the Marriage-bringer or its ruler also cause marriages, especially if the signs of the stars in aspect or of the Marriage-bringer itself are bicorporeal. (Valens, Book II, Ch. 38, Riley trans., p. 52)
Example
The delineation of marriage is complex, especially given the great number of marriage lots available. The Lot of Love is also very important in relationship matters. For general relationship considers it is often more important than the marriage lots.
I leave you with the chart of Elizabeth Taylor (AA-rated birth time) who was famously married 8 times to 7 husbands. The female lots noted by Dorotheus and Valens are shown. Your task is to think about how indications from these lots, Venus, and the 7th house pertain to the number of marriages. Read a bio of Taylor online to better understand the circumstances of different marriages. If you are familiar with predictive techniques, try applying them with consideration of the lots. You can report on your findings in the comments.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Birth Chart with Marriage Lots
Going Further
I suggest that one starts with just the lots noted in this article. Work through charts you are familiar with and look at each lot in turn. Don’t just take things that ancient astrologers said about the lots for granted. Think critically and you can learn to make the most of these lots. When you are ready to explore additional lots, I have some recommendations for doing this.
Exploring the Literature
In the “Sources” section for each lot I have noted the sections of Hellenistic texts which comment on each lot. You can refer to these sections for more ideas. When a lot is used throughout a text you have your work cut out for you in tracking down more information.
All of the lots discussed by Dorotheus are important ones. The new English translation of Carmen by Ben Dykes includes a table of the lots used in the work, as well as a convenient index. Some of the books of the Pingree translation have also been made available online, as I discussed in my article on free texts. Dykes also has a nearly 3 hour lots lecture available for purchase in which he discusses lots with examples involving 6 of them.
Vettius Valens was also particularly influential in his use of lots. You can download a free copy of the only full English translation of his text. As it is a PDF, you are free to use CTRL+F to search for mentions of lots within the text. Maternus largely followed Dorotheus and Valens in his use of the lots. Book VI, Ch. 32 of the Mathesis is particularly important on account of the numerous lots (called part or house) discussed. An English translation of the Mathesis in PDF is also available for free online.
Getting Medieval
For those looking for a more comprehensive late Medieval accounting of the lots, I recommend Introduction to Traditional Astrology, a compilation of translations by Ben Dykes. The work brings together introductory material by 9th and 10th century Perso-Arabic astrologers Abu Ma’shar and al-Qabisi. Book VI is dedicated to the lots and provides descriptions of over 6 dozen lots used by these two notable astrologers. As of this writing a Kindle edition is also available and that edition is free to read for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This text is not just a great reference for the lots, but is all around the most indispensable reference on Medieval astrology in all its aspects.
References
Dorotheus of Sidon, & al-Tabari, U. (2017). Carmen Astrologicum: The ’Umar al-Tabari Translation. (B. N. Dykes, Trans.). Minneapolis, Minn.,: The Cazimi Press.
Dorotheus of Sidon. (2005). Carmen Astrologicum. (D. Pingree, Trans.). Abingdon, MD: Astrology Center of America.
Manilius, M. (1977). Astronomica. (G. P. Goold, Trans.). Cambridge, MA: Loeb Classical Library.
Maternus, J. F. (1972). Mathesis: A fourth-century astrological treatise. (J. R. Bram, Trans.). NY, NY: New York University.
Maternus, J. F. (2011). Mathesis. (J. H. Holden, Trans.). American Federation of Astrologers.
Paulus Alexandrinus & Olympiodorus. (2001). Late Classical Astrology: Paulus Alexandrinus and Olypiodorus. (D. G. Greenbaum, Trans.). Reston, VA: Arhat.
Porphyry, & Serapio. (2009). Porphyry the Philosopher. (J. H. Holden, Trans.). Tempe, AZ: American Federation of Astrologers.
Featured image is cropped from image of a box of game pieces of the Ancient Egyptian game Senet at the King Tut Exhibit at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center (2012) by Dave Nakayama from Palo Alto, USA (King Tut’s Toys) [CC BY 2.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons
The image of the painting Le Giocatrici di Astràgali by Antonio Canova (1799) is in the public domain.
The image of various dice and game pieces from the Museo de Albacete, Spain by Enrique Íñiguez Rodríguez (Qoan) [CC BY-SA 4.0 ], from Wikimedia Commons
With this having been established, it is necessary to prove by experience <the effectiveness of> still another place which I will demonstrate most abundantly: this is the Crisis-Producing Place, the place causative of terrors, dangers, and chains. Consequently this place is strong; (Vettius Valens, Anthologies, Book V, Ch. 1, Riley trans., 2010, p. 95)
From Four to Five
In my last article on the lots, I looked at the four principal lots of Vettius Valens. The four principal lots pertain to two polarities. There is the more static polarity of the physical (Fortune) vs. mental/social (Spirit). There is also the more dynamic polarity of friendly interpersonal matters (Love) vs. adversarial ones (Necessity).
The rationale of the lots involves metaphorically moving from the signification of the origin point to that of the destination point. For instance, Spirit to Fortune signifies mind moving to rigidity and distinction (spirit to matter), indicating the lot of Necessity and its adversarial significations.
While those 4 lots are the most important, there is another exceptional lot which we should add to our inventory, the Lot of Affliction. Together with the four principal lots, these five lots represent what I feel are the five most indispensable lots in ancient astrological literature. In other words, if you use only 5 lots, use these!
Lot of Affliction
The fifth lot is the most sinister one you can construct from two classical planets. Many ancient sources mention it, though often with different names. It is referred to as the Lot of Injury or Chronic Illness by Dorotheus of the 1st century CE (Carmen Astrologicum, Book IV, Ch. 1, #75). Valens (2nd century CE) called it the place producing crises and accusations (Anthology, Book V, Ch. 1). Maternus of the 4th century CE referred to it as the house of affliction and illness (Mathesis, Book VI, Ch. 32, #40).
Affliction Formula: Sect Malefic to Non-Sect Malefic
Think back to the rationale discussed earlier for the lots. When constructing this lot, we use the same rationale. In this case we have a metaphor for things going from bad to worse. The formula is from the sect malefic to the out-of-sect malefic (projected from the Ascendant). Therefore, for one born during the day, the lot is the distance from Saturn (the more benign malefic by day as it is of the diurnal sect) to Mars (the more aggravating malefic by day because it is nocturnal), then projected from the Ascendant. It is reversed for night charts (those with the Sun below the horizon), such that you take the distance from Mars to Saturn and then project that from the Ascendant.
Lot Interpretation
Valens describes the interpretation of the lot at great length in the beginning of Book V of the Anthology. He connects it chiefly with imprisonment, servitude, and other crises. The crisis can be social, such as incarceration, or physical, such as a debilitating illness. Mental afflictions, such as anxieties and a bad conscience, and social afflictions, like betrayal, are also possible under this lot. When eased by the influence of benefics, it may still show burdensome obligations. In any sense, this lot signifies the most undesirable states of affairs. I will refer to this lot as the Lot of Affliction.
Usage in Predicting Crises
Valens provided some guidelines for analyzing Affliction. If it is ruled by, occupied by, or strongly aspected by a malefic, then that shows vulnerability to afflictions signified by the influential planet and/or sign. On the other hand, benefic influences serve as alleviation or escape.
Sextiles between Lights and Malefics
Additionally, Valens combines this with another type analysis that signals general vulnerability to crises. When the Sun and/or Moon are in a whole sign sextile to Mars and/or Saturn it signifies a general vulnerability to crisis. This is intensified if the sextile is within 70 degrees and/or between the hearing signs. Presumably, more sextile configurations between the Lights and the malefics show more potential for crisis.
Valens-Style Profections
Prediction of when the crisis will occur is made by using various chronocrator (time-lord) techniques, especially Valens-style profections. Valens discussed the techniques in Book IV of his Anthology. Danger is shown when a Light (i.e. the Sun or Moon) transmits to a malefic (i.e. Mars or Saturn), or a malefic to a Light. For instance, crisis may be indicated when the sign occupied by the Sun in the chart profects to a sign of Mars or Saturn.
Transmission typically occurs either when a planet profects to the place occupied by another planet, or an empty place ruled by another planet; but in this analysis of Affliction, Valens emphasized the ruler. Benefics in the place or in strong aspect indicate alleviation or escape. The worst crises occur when a greater chronocratorship (discussed below) and an annual one (profection) of this sort (Light-to-malefic or malefic-to-Light) occur at the same time.
In profections, the transmission is from the natal house ruler to the ruler of the destination house. In other chronocrator (time-lord) techniques of Valens the transmitter is the time lord of the larger period while the transmission is to the time lord of the smaller period. For instance, if a planet ruling the year is the Sun, while the one ruling the month is Mars, then it is a transmission of the Sun to Mars.
Effect of Basis
Valens takes into account “basis” or personal power/eminence indications in the chart. Those with greater basis or social status will tend toward more social forms of crisis, rather than physical ones. It is similar when benefics have a strong influence over Affliction.
Natal Lot of Affliction Examples
Dahmer: A Marriage of Love and Affliction; Venus and Saturn
I’ve explored Dahmer’s chart previously. Dahmer’s tight conjunction of the lots of Affliction and Love is interesting, particularly as Affliction is ruled by Saturn and is with Saturn. Dahmer also identified strongly with both Venus and Saturn (both have dignity at the Ascendant). Both lots are very closely square to Dahmer’s Mars (especially the Lot of Affliction which Mars aspects within 2 degrees), bringing in violent significations.
Killing Begins: Mars Square Affliction
Dahmer started relationships with his victims before he would torture, kill, mutilate, and eat them. His first killing was impulsive – from a desire to sleep with a hitchhiker he had picked up. That killing occurred at age 18, during an annual profection of his Ascendant to his Moon-Mars conjunction in the 7th, ruled by Mars.
The Killings Become Serial: Profection to Love-Affliction
He did not kill again until 9 years later, at age 27. That killing kicked off sporadic serial killings that year. It saw the annual profection of his Ascendant to the 4th, the place of Affliction (and the Lot of Love), ruled by (and occupied by) Saturn, and squared by Mars and the Moon. The fact that the serial killing started in the year of the annual profection to the place of both the lot of affliction, and the lot of love, with both lots strongly linked with each other, is very illustrative, as he has admitted in interviews that renewed intense desires that were awoken in him at this time inspired the killings.
Dahmer’s Natal Chart with Lots
David Carradine: 8th House Libra Affliction
David Carradine’s Lot of Affliction was in the 8th house, in Libra, ruled by Venus, adhering to Carradine’s Mars and with his Moon also. As I’ve noted in articles about the previous chart (Dahmer) Mars-Moon conjunctions can carry significance related to bodily harm. Affliction therefore enters into the equation of Carradine’s death signified by Moon-Mars (bodily harm) ruled by Venus (sexuality) in the house of death (8th house).
Carradine’s Natal Chart with Lots
Prediction Example
In this prediction example, I’m going employ a few predictive techniques discussed by Valens that I have not previously introduced on the blog. Here I will keep my explanation of the techniques rather short so I can focus on the relevance of Affliction. These techniques will be explained in more detail in some future articles.
Finding Affliction
The chart of an Anonymous friend is provided below for examination (CTRL+Click to enlarge in a new tab).
Notice that the chart has the Sun above the horizon, so Saturn is in sect and Mars is out of sect. The distance from Saturn to Mars is about 91.5 degrees in the zodiacal order. Adding that to the Ascendant of just under 4 degrees Aquarius brings us to 5 degrees Taurus.
Analyzing Affliction
Affliction is not in very bad condition in this natal chart. It is ruled by Venus and in the bound of Venus. There are no malefics located in the place, opposing it, or squaring it. Saturn doesn’t even regard the place, and Mars does not scrutinize the lot, though Mars is in a superior trine to the lot which is just over 4 degrees from perfect (within 3 would be scrutinizing). So for the most part we don’t read a major affliction into the lot, but if we were going to describe a particularly vulnerable area it would probably pertain to Taurus, Venus, and the 4th house. We might expect that matters pertaining to the home, family, and significant women could take on special significance.
Malefic Sextiles
The other sign of vulnerability is very apparent. The Moon is in a scrutinizing sextile with Mars, while the Sun is also in a pretty close sextile to Saturn. Hearing signs are not involved but these are pretty close sextiles and involve both Lights. This situation is somewhat alleviated by the fact that the Moon is in close conjunction with the benefic Venus and Saturn is in close conjunction with the benefic Jupiter. Therefore, the benefics have a very strong alleviating indications related to the promises of affliction.
Profection to Affliction
At age 27, a string of unfortunate events happened to the native. His spouse intentionally looted all of the family bank accounts and credit cards as an aggressive act. Subsequently, he got divorced, putting an end to a 10 year relationship. At the time of the split he moved out of his house with his 2 children, and moved in with his parents – he hadn’t lived with his parents since he was 19. The same year (2008) he also slowly went out of business due to a lack of work caused by the global financial crisis. Due to the lack of income, before the end of the year he lost his home. Additionally, he returned to college before the period’s end.
You will notice that many of these themes relate very directly to the place of Affliction and its associations with Venus and her places. There was aggression from women (Venus ruled by 12th house Mars), marital problems (Venus), family issues (4th house), real estate and moving (4th house), issues with income (Venus is exalted ruler of the 2nd), an a return to higher education (Venus rules the 9th).
Timing: Major Period by the Quarters Technique
Now, let’s look at the predictive techniques. One predictive technique that Valens discussed right at the beginning of Book IV, and then returned to at the end of Book IV, utilizes the 1/4 values of the minor years of the planets, so I have personally called it Valens Quarters or just the Quarters.
Finding the First Period
There is a major and a minor period. The major period begins with the first planet after (in zodiacal order) the point of the prenatal syzygy (New or Full Moon most nearly preceding the birth) in the chart in zodiacal order. For instance, in our example chart the Moon is waning so it was a Full Moon that preceded the birth. That Full Moon, or prenatal syzygy, was located at 0 Gemini. The first planet that one encounters moving from 0 Gemini up through the zodiac in order is Jupiter at 6 Libra, and if we continue then it would be Saturn, and then the Moon, and so forth. Therefore, Jupiter gets the first major period, ruling for a quarter of its minor years (12), which is 3 years.
Calculating to the Period Under Consideration
After Jupiter, Saturn rules for 7.5 years (i.e. until age 10.5). Next, in this chart is the Moon which rules for 6.25 years (i.e. until age 16.75). Venus is after the Moon and she get 2 years (i.e. until age 18.75). Mercury then rules for 5 years (i.e. until age 23.75) After Mercury, the Sun rules for 4.75 years (i.e. until age 28.5).
The events under consideration occurred while the native was 27 years old, in the middle of the native’s 28th year, so the Sun ruled the major period.
Timing: Minor Period by the Quarters Technique
To find the minor period in the Quarters technique we start with the ruler of the major period and we take the days of the planets (I’ve addressed them previously here), multiplying them by the length of the period in years to determine the number of days for each plane. The rulership again passes in zodiacal order around the chart. At the end of Book IV, Valens provides convenient tables with the amount of days each planet gets under each period. See pages 92-94 of the Riley translation, available free online.
Finding the Minor Period Ruler
The Sun minor period started when the native was age 23.75 and ended when the native was 28.5, with the event occurring when the native was 27.5. It will be easier to work backwards, one year from the end of the major period, knowing that Mercury would be the last planet in sequence by zodiacal order. During a solar major period Mercury gets just over 269 days, this is less than a year and the major event took place over the last couple days in May thru June 1st, so we need to go a whole year back. Prior to Mercury is Venus for almost 108 days. That period will be inclusive of the days in question. Therefore, the minor period at the time of the event was that of Venus.
In this case, the period of crisis does not coincide with a Light transmitting to a malefic (nor vice-versa). Here we have the Sun transmitting to Venus. While relevant to a time in which relationship themes are focal (Sun rules the 7th, Venus natural signifies romantic relations), we have no reason to suspect a crisis from this indication.
Zodiacal Releasing
Zodiacal Releasing also involves a transmitter and a receiver, the ruler of the sign of the Level 1 releasing transmits to the ruler of the sign of the Level 2 releasing (you can also do this for Level 2 lord transmitting to Level 3 lord, and Level 3 lord transmitting to Level 4 lord). Interestingly, in his discussion of these transmissions Valens identifies those of Lights transmitting to malefics as particularly bad, but those of malefics transmitting to Lights as good (this contradicts some interpretive guidelines he provides in Book V).
Finding the Level 1 Period: Aquarius-Saturn
Looking at releasing from Fortune, for Level 1 we start with Fortune’s natal sign, Capricorn, which gets 27 years. Typically, we allot the minor years of the sign’s ruler. However, Capricorn is an exception at 27 (note: these are Egyptian 360 day years). We would expect that Level 1 moved into Aquarius shortly before this happened, which is the case. Therefore, at age 27, a new level 1 period started for the first time since birth. It is the Aquarius-Saturn period.
Finding the Level 2 Period: Aquarius-Saturn
The first Level 2 period in Aquarius would last for 30 months (note: these are 1/12 the Egyptian 360 day year, i.e. they are 30 day months). As all of the events happened in the first 12 months of the period (between ages 27 and 28), the first Level 2 period was still active. Therefore, both Level 1 and Level 2 were Aquarius for the releasing of Fortune, signifying a transmission from Saturn to Saturn.
Finding Level 3 and Level 4 Periods: Leo-Sun and Aquarius-Saturn
Taking things down to Level 3 and Level 4 for the actual set of a few days in which the financial attacks by the spouse were discovered, the spouse requested a divorce, and the native moved back with family, gives us Leo for L3 and Aquarius for L4. Therefore, a more complete picture of those days is Saturn transmitting to Saturn (L1 to L2), which transmitted to the Sun (L3), which transmitted to Saturn (L4).
Therefore, since the transmissions involve malefics and lights (Saturn and the Sun), we may be looking at an indication of a crisis. Note that Saturn and the Sun are also in a sextile and that the Sun rules the 7th house of marriage.
Releasing from Spirit
Let’s also release from Spirit. For Level 1, we start with Spirit’s natal sign, Pisces, ruled by Jupiter which gets 12 years. The next sign, Aries, and its ruler, Mars, get 15 years. Therefore, at about age 27 Level 1 Spirit moved to Taurus, ruled by Venus. The 8 year period would end at age 35. This is interesting given that Taurus is the place of Affliction and Spirit refers to professional and social changes, which in this case were beset with crises. Still, Level 1 is neither a Light nor a malefic.
Level 2 changed to Gemini, ruled by Mercury, just before things went downhill fast. Therefore the transmission is from Venus to Mercury. For the tumultuous days, L3 for Spirit was Cancer, ruled by the Moon, and L4 was Aquarius, ruled by Saturn. So the transmission was Venus (L1) to Mercury (L2), to the Moon (L3), to Saturn (L4). This intensifies the sense of a Light to a malefic, not for the greater periods but for that short set of about 3 days.
Profections
Finally, we want to examine the annual profections, paying special attention to those of the Lights and the malefics. First, it is best to look at the profection of the Ascendant. It is used to establish the Lord of the Year and the activated sign. At age 27 everything profects to the 4th house from itself, so the annual profection of the Ascendant was interestingly to Taurus, the 4th place, the place of Affliction, ruled by Venus.
Another interesting profection is of Affliction itself. As noted in the article on the 4 principal lots, Valens would draw indications from profecting those lots around the chart. If we profect Affliction we find that it profects to the 7th house of marriage, ruled by the Sun. Perhaps this is an indication that the 7th house is the focal crisis-prone area that year.
As we noted earlier, when looking at profections for this technique we lok at transmission by rulership, with an emphasis on Lights and malefics. The Sun profects to Pisces, so it transmits to Jupiter. Mars profects to Aries, so it transmits to itself. Saturn transmits to Capricorn, so it also transmits to itself. The Moon, however, profects to Aquarius, so it transmits to Saturn. Therefore, the crisis did occur during a time when a Light made an annual transmission to a malefic by rulership.
Predictive Summary
Let’s recap the predictive technique findings:
Quarters: Sun transmits to Venus
Annual profections: Ascendant transmits to Affliction (and Venus) [also Affliction transmits to the Sun-7th]
Annual profections: Moon and Venus transmit to Saturn.
Months Fortune releasing: Saturn transmits to the Sun.
Days Fortune releasing: The Sun transmits to Saturn.
Days Spirit releasing: The Moon transmits to Saturn.
Additionally the Moon was transiting in Taurus, the place of Affliction, during the most pivotal two and a half days of the crisis period.
The picture that is painted is activation of Venus, Sun-Saturn, and the 7th house in relation to crises. These themes are made all the more significant by the fact that Saturn directed to the square of the Sun in September of that year. September is the month that the divorce was finalized. See the articles on primary directions for more information on how to figure out primary directions.
Saturn Directs to the SunWhile this is just a single example, we can see that Affliction merits further exploration. The many special techniques which Valens provided for evaluating and timing periods of substantial crisis and hardship also merit exploration.
Conclusion
Affliction brings the topic of misfortune to a place in the natal chart where you might not have expected it. It’s a very important addition to an astrologer’s arsenal of lots which should not be overlooked. Valens has provided interesting and unique insights into how one may use the lot of affliction. He also provided many predictive techniques for discovering periods of great hardship or general malevolence. I hope you’ll take up the ongoing work of researching these lots and techniques.
References
Valens, V. (2010). Anthologies. (M. Riley, Trans.) (Online PDF.). World Wide Web: Mark Riley. Retrieved from http://www.csus.edu/indiv/r/rileymt/Vettius%20Valens%20entire.pdf
Featured Image
Engraving by Baccio Baldini after Sandro Botticelli (1481 original) for the printed version of Dante’s “Inferno.” Image is in the public domain.
Four lots were considered so important to Vettius Valens that they marked out effective houses in the chart.
The operative and effective signs are the Ascendant, MC, <the XI Place of the> Good Daimon, <the V Place of> Good Fortune, the Lot of Fortune, Daimon, Love, Necessity. Signs of moderate activity are <the IX Place of> the God, <the III Place of> the Goddess, and the other two angles. The rest of the signs are mediocre or bad. (Vettius Valens, Anthologies, Book IV, Ch. 11, Riley trans., 2010, p. 79)
These four lots were also the only ones which he mentions using in the context of his Valens-style profections.
It is also necessary to count from the Lot of Fortune, from Daimon, from Love, and from Necessity, for it is from these points that the critical illnesses, benefactions, and dangers are apprehended. (Vettius Valens, Anthologies, Book IV, Ch. 11, Riley trans., 2010, p. 78)
In this article, we’ll be exploring these 4 lots in depth. In addition to their significance, we’ll also look at predictive usage, including in the context of the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal.
The Most Important Lots to Valens
In Chapter 16 of Book II of The Anthology, Valens gives 9 special topical names to certain places of the chart. These places are largely identified by houses, but 4 lots are used as well. This shows that Valens assigned a particularly special significance to these 4 lots in the chart. Of the many lots used by Valens, only these 4 lots seem to be used on a par with the primary 12 houses in terms of importance.
In Book IV of The Anthology, Valens discussed profections. There are only 4 lots which he profected around the chart (see introductory quote). In fact, Valens sets aside an entire chapter of Book IV, Chapter 25, “The Distributions of the Four Lots”, to provide more details about the significance of the annual profections of just these four lots.
The Polarities of the Four Lots
These lots represent two significant topical polarities in life. First, there is a polarity between the physical and the abstract. There are things which befall us on a physical level, from our bodies to accidents to children. These contrast with that which befalls us on a more abstract level, from our minds to social relations to spirituality. Fortune (also known as the Lot of the Moon) pertains to the physical while Spirit or Daimon (also known as the Lot of the Sun) pertains to the abstract.
Secondly, there is the dynamic polarity, so dear to the philosopher Heraclitus, of Love and Strife. Harmonious constructive alliances bring things together while dissonant destructive divisiveness pulls things apart. The Lot of Love is a place of alliance while the Lot of Necessity is a place of competition and distinction.
Derived from the Lights
These four powerful lots are all derived from the locations of the Lights, the most powerful planets of the chart (the Sun and Moon). The most important lots, Fortune and Spirit, are projections of the distance between the Lights. The other two, Love and Necessity, are projections of the distance between Fortune and Spirit. The importance of these lots reflects the power and importance attributed to the Lights in Hellenistic astrology.
Significance of Fortune and Spirit
This principle of abstraction vs. tangibility is reflected in the common names for the lots of the Lights, Fortune and Spirit. The Ancient Greek term for Fortune, “tuche”, referred to more passive chance happenstance. The term for Spirit, “daemon”, referred to things brought about by spiritual machination.
Matter, Spirit, and the Joys
These same terms pertain to the four houses of the natal chart where the benefics and malefics have their Joys. Diurnal planets have their Joys above the horizon, while nocturnal planets have their Joys below the horizon (Mercury’s Joy straddles the horizon, i.e. the 1st house).
The Joy of the diurnal benefic, Jupiter, is the 11th House, which is called Good Spirit. The Joy of the diurnal malefic, Saturn, is the 12th House, called Bad Spirit. Good Spirit pertains to friendship and other generally beneficial social and mental phenomena. Bad Spirit pertains to betrayal, enmity, and other generally challenging social and mental phenomena.
Opposite those two houses are those of their nocturnal counterparts. The 5th is the Joy of Venus, which is called Good Fortune. The 6th is the Joy of Mars, called Bad Fortune. These nocturnal Joys are more associated with passive physical phenomena. The passive phenomena is pleasant and productive in the case of the 5th (Good Fortune), as it signifies children and pleasure. However, it is challenging in the case of the 6th (Bad Fortune) which signifies illness, accidents, and slavery.
Valens on Spirit and Fortune
Now let’s look at what Valens says about the significance of the Lots of Spirit and Fortune. Consider how they compare with the Spirit and Fortune house meanings.
For the reason mentioned above, the Lot of Fortune and Daimon have great influence on undertakings and their outcomes. The former gives information about matters concerning the body and concerning the work of hands. Daimon and its ruler give information about spiritual and intellectual matters and about the activities of giving and receiving. It will be necessary to examine the places and the signs in which their houserulers are located and to correlate their natures, in order to learn the type of activity and fortune and the quality of activity <to be expected>. (Valens, Anthologies, Book II, Ch. 20, Riley trans., 2010, p. 35)
We find that Valens associates Fortune with the body and physical skill, while Spirit is associated with the mental and spiritual, as well as social exchange. This accords with the significance of the spirit houses (11th and 12th) which associate with social/mental benefits and obstacles, as well as the fortune houses (5th and 6th) which associate with physical/sensual benefits and obstacles.
11th from Fortune
Interestingly, the 11th place from Fortune has a meaning related to being the Good Spirit (11th place) relative to physical happenstance (Fortune). It is called by Valens, “… the Place of Accomplishment, the bestower of property and goods, especially if benefics are in this place or in aspect” (Valens, Anthologies, Book II, Ch. 21, Riley trans., 2010, p. 35). Thus it becomes possible to derive an interpretation in which good social activity relative to physical happenstance means circumstances in life in which tangible gifts are conferred to the native. This allows us to analyze themes that may coincide when this place is active.
Zodiacal Releasing
There is a specific predictive technique involving Fortune and Spirit whih was employed by Valens. Today it is commonly referred to as Zodiacal Releasing. In Zodiacal Releasing, the Lots of Spirit and Fortune are the primary points which are moved around the chart (circumambulated) to establish time lords. These time lords relate specifically to physical/sensual circumstances (releasing from Fortune) or mental/social circumstances (releasing from Spirit). Let’s look at what Valens had to say about the significance of releasing from Fortune and from Spirit.
So, if we are investigating the chronocratorships with respect to bodily existence, such as critical points of illnesses, hemorrhages, falls, injuries, diseases, and whatever effects the body with respect to strength, enjoyment, pleasure, beauty, or love affairs, then we must begin the vital sector with the Lot of Fortune. (Valens, Book IV, Ch. 4, Riley trans., 2010, p. 71-72)
If on the other hand we are investigating employment or rank, then we will begin the chronocratorships with Daimon as the apheta. (Valens, Book IV, Ch. 4, Riley trans., 2010, p. 72)
Spirit and Mental Instability
Similarly, Valens in his delineations of various Spirit configurations of Zodiacal Releasing associates the times when Spirit comes under malefic influence with mental instability and professional overturn. He even takes into account the element of the sign occupied by the released Spirit’s ruler in the natal chart; fire shows nervous breakdown and acting against one’s will, air shows distraction and worry, etc. This shows that, for Valens, Spirit is not just about profession (i.e. social signification) but also about mental life, consistent with his analysis of the two lots in general.
Profecting Spirit and Fortune
When looking at profections of Spirit and Fortune in Book IV, Valens considers that one’s work may change form depending on connections with Fortune and Spirit. One’s work may become more physically involved if more planets become associated with Fortune than Spirit, while more mentally involved when more planets incline toward Spirit.
Fortune and Spirit – Yin and Yang
At this point we have grasped the key polarity of the first pair of principal lots. The active, the ideal, social rank, and the mind are associated with Spirit, the Sun, the diurnal sect, and the houses above the horizon. The passive, the mundane, the tangible, and the physical body are associated with Fortune, the Moon, the nocturnal sect, and the houses below the horizon.
Dalai Lama’s Fortune and Spirit
Now let’s look at Fortune and Spirit in delineation, by turning our attention to the chart of the current Dalai Lama. We want to pay particular attention to the ruler, planets in the place, and planets in the stakes of the place (the 10th, 7th, and 4th places from the place – those that oppose or square the place).
Dalai Lama’s Lot of Fortune – X marks the spot
Fortune in XI Taurus
For the Dalai Lama we find Fortune in the 11th, the place of the Good Spirit. It is in Taurus, ruled by the sect benefic, Venus. The place is empty though it has Jupiter and Venus in its stakes (Jupiter actually scrutinizing the lot). Therefore, there is overall indications of general good health and enjoyable physical circumstances. Additionally, Fortune is closely aspected (i.e. within 3 degrees) by both Lights, Jupiter, and Saturn, connecting it particularly with loftiness, power, and administration. Where Fortune has difficult potential is in the close overcoming sextile from Saturn, the out of sect malefic, in the 9th of travel and religion.
Spirit in III Virgo
Spirit is in the 3rd House, Goddess, the Joy of the Moon, in Virgo. It is ruled by Mercury, and in the bound of Mercury. Spirit is with the Moon and dominated by Mercury (Mercury is in the stake that is in a superior square), while opposed by Saturn. The overall indications for intellectual, professional, and social circumstances are that there is a great deal of communication (Mercury, 3rd), analysis (Mercury), congregation (Moon), and frequent travel (Moon, Mercury, 3rd). The fact that the sect Light is with Spirit and in its Joy suggests particular importance and power associated with the professional and intellectual affairs. Saturn again shows a potential challenge in this area through its opposition.
Profections of Spirit
Remember in the Valens quote above that in Zodiacal Releasing Fortune is used primarily for physical pleasures and ailments while Spirit is used primarily for social/professional peaks and valleys. For the Dalai Lama we are particularly interested in profections to and from Spirit and releasing from Spirit. We know less about health crises and pleasures in his life. Let’s look at Valens-style profections involving Spirit.
The Dalai Lama was recognized at age 2, which is significant as the year in which the Ascendant (self) profected to the 3rd place. The 3rd place is occupied by both Spirit and the sect light (the Moon), showing a very pivotal time for personal prominence. Additionally, at that time, Spirit and the Moon (i.e. 3rd house) profected to Jupiter in the house of Good Fortune (the 5th). Also at that time Fortune profected to the Sun in the 1st House of the self and identity. Therefore, many profections signalling prominence and loftiness of station occur at age 2 when the 14th Dalai Lama was recognized as the incarnation of the previous Dalai Lama.
The Lost Formulas of Love and Necessity
Now let’s look at the other two principal lots, Love and Necessity. There has actually been some confusion as to how to calculate these two lots. The Project Hindsight translation of Valens left out the note in the original Greek in which Valens (2nd century CE) provided instruction in calculating the lots. In fact, the Project Hindsight translation didn’t even mention that note in the original. This has caused many astrologers to assume that the lots of Love and Necessity mentioned by Valens are the same as the Lots of Venus and Mercury which Paulus Alexandrinus (4th century CE) called Love and Necessity.
However, the lots mentioned by Valens are not the ones discussed by Paulus. The calculation of the lots is explicitly given in the text and is included in the original Greek in the critical edition by David Pingree (see pages 191-193 of that edition). The most recent English translation by Mark Riley includes a translation of the note on lot calculation which was lacking in the Project Hindsight translation. In addition, to examining the Greek of the Pingree edition and finding the calculations, I have been assured by Chris Brennan that the Valens calculations are in the original Greek. Valens is the older source.
Different Love and Necessity Lots
The fourth century astrologer Paulus Alexandrinus named seven lots for the planets. These are known as the “Seven Hermetic Lots of the Planets”. Fortune and Spirit were the Lots of the Moon and the Sun. The Lot of Venus is called “Love” by Paulus and that of Mercury is called “Necessity”. However, Paulus referred to different lots with different formulae than the Lots of Love and Necessity discussed by Valens.
The confusion doesn’t end there. The 4th century Roman astrologer Julius Firmicus Maternus also mentioned them but gave the opposite formulae for the lots as Valens. More on that below.
The Valens Formula
Valens gave the formula for Love as from Fortune to Spirit by day (reversed by night), projected from the Ascendant. Necessity is from Spirit to Fortune by day (reversed by night), projected from the Ascendant. One can find the Valens instructions at the bottom of p. 90 of the 2010 Riley translation which was made available for free on Mark Riley’s faculty web site.
Sect and Directionality
This makes sense when we think of Spirit as the Sun Lot and Fortune as the Moon Lot. Movement from the non-sect lot to the sect lot is found in the Valens formula just given for Love. If one is born during the day, then we go from the Moon Lot (Fortune) to the Sun Lot (Spirit), and project that from the Ascendant, as Spirit is the “sect lot”. By night, we go from Spirit to Fortune, and project that from the Ascendant. This is consistent with the rationale discussed above for a lot which shows more ideal circumstances to involve movement from passive to active, from dark to light.
The Maternus Reversal
Maternus gave the opposite formula for Love (see Mathesis, Book VI, Ch. 45, “House of Desires”); from Spirit to Fortune by day. This is inconsistent with the rationale discussed above. It is similar with Necessity, where in Valens (the earlier source) a rationale is evident that is lost in Maternus. In Valens, Necessity is from the sect lot to the non-sect lot, from the more active to the less active, from the light to the dark. Again, Maternus gives the opposite formula and one without sound rationale (see Mathesis, Book VI, Ch. 46, “House of Necessity”).
Finding Love and Necessity
Therefore, to find the Lot of Love in a chart it helps to think of Spirit as the Lot of the Sun and Fortune as the Lot of the Moon. Find the distance from the non-sect lot (Fortune by day, Spirit by night) to the sect lot (Spirit by day, Fortune by night). Project this from the Ascendant in the same direction you measured the distance. To find the Lot of Necessity in the chart, merely take the same distance and project it in the opposite direction from the Ascendant. This is the same as taking the distance from the sect lot to the non-sect lot and projecting it from the Ascendant.
Love = from non-sect lot to sect lot (projected from Asc)
Necessity = from sect lot to non-sect lot (projected from Asc)
Valens on the Meaning of Love and Necessity
Valens, in Book II, Ch. 16, attributed “desire” to the place of Love, and “enemies” to the place of Necessity. Looking at his delineations of their use in time lord techniques we can expand upon these central notions a bit.
Love describes the nature and circumstances which accompany desire and getting together, such that malefics will connect it with scandal or unsavory things and benefics with powerful alliances.
Necessity describes the nature and circumstances which accompany dispute and competition, such that malefics will bring failures and attacks while benefics will bring victory and put power on one’s side.
There is such a nice symmetry or polarity to these concepts, in which one pertains to the attempt to conjoin and the other to the attempt to oppose.
The Four Principal Lots in Action
We briefly looked at Fortune and Spirit in the Dalai Lama’s chart. One thing that is interesting is that the 9th House of God (religion, spirituality, wisdom, higher education) is the place of Love in the Dalai Lama’s chart, and is ruled by Jupiter.
While some information can be gleaned about general baseline trends and themes from delineation of the lots in the natal chart, their true strength is in predictive work, such as profections, releasing, and even transits to the places of the lots.
Solar Eclipse Love
One particularly striking example came to me from a friend of mine who had a very eventful day in which he both started a relationship and was arrested at a protest. It all occurred on the day of the last solar eclipse this year! Born in December 1984, he was 27 when the events transpired. Therefore, the annual profection of the Ascendant was to his 4th place, Gemini. Mercury was the Lord of the Year, and Gemini was the activated sign. Gemini happens to be the location of both the twelfth-part of his Venus (at about 14GEM) and his Lot of Love (at 25GEM). The Lot of Love itself had profected to the 7th of partnership, Virgo, also ruled by Mercury.
On the afternoon of May 20th, 2012, there was a solar eclipse at 0 Gemini, the sign of the annual profection, Love, and the twelfth-part of Venus. Our friend started a relationship with someone that day. Later in the day, he was arrested at a protest.
Besides the solar eclipse itself bringing forth the significations of Gemini in his chart, there were also some interesting transits. For instance, transiting Venus was in Gemini at the time and conjunct, within 3 degrees, his Lot of Love, right on his IC. Mercury, the Lord of the Year, was transiting conjunct transiting Jupiter.
Mercury was also appropriate for the arrest. As transiting Mercury was opposing the native’s 9th house Saturn and squaring the native’s 12th house out-of-sect Mars, all within 3 degrees, at the time of the arrest.
May Transits to Anonymous Chart
Clinton’s Love and Necessity
The Clinton-Lewinsky scandal pertains both to getting together and disputes with enemies, so Love and Necessity are naturally involved.
Love Ruled by 1st House Mars
Bill Clinton was born with the Lot of Love in the 7th of partnership, which may intensify Love’s themes. Unfortunately, Love is ruled by the out-of-sect malefic, Mars, and is opposed by the amorous Mars-Venus conjunction in Clinton’s 1st house. Love is complicated for Clinton as its ruler is both prominent and malefic, though it is with both benefics.
Necessity Ruled by 1st House Jupiter
Clinton has Necessity in his 6th house, Pisces. It is ruled by the sect benefic, Jupiter, which is prominent in Clinton’s first house. Jupiter signifies generally fortunate outcomes and assistance in competitions or disputes. As Jupiter is with Mars (the ruler of Love), and they both are with Venus, there are some interesting connections between Love and Necessity in Clinton’s chart which revolve around his character (1st house) and sexuality (Venus). Clinton’s natal chart is below.
Things Start with Love in Taurus
In late 1995, when Clinton was 49 years old, he started having sexual relations with an intern, Monica Lewinsky. The Lot of Love had profected into the 8th house, Taurus, ruled by Venus and occupied by the Moon, both out of sect. Venus shows the sexuality, and the Moon and the 8th show the personal and private nature of the activity.
The relationship continued into early 1997. After Clinton’s birthday in 1997, things started taking a turn for the worse as Linda Tripp began secretly recording phone calls. The whole thing broke to the media soon after, in January of 1998, when Clinton was 52 years old.
Enter Saturn
The profection of the Ascendant was to the 5th House, Aquarius, ruled by Saturn. The profection of Love was to the 11th House, Leo, ruled by and occupied by the Sun, as well as occupied by Saturn and Mercury. Therefore, there was a particular emphasis on Saturn, which as a baseline is not a bad indications in Clinton’s chart because it is in sect and in the place of Good Spirit, but it does indicate that Saturn is the focal planet for the year (i.e. lord of the year). However, at the solar return we find Saturn, Lord of the Year, in the place of Love and closely conjunct the Lot of Love. It is also opposing Clinton’s 1st house Jupiter.
Clinton – non-precessed solar return at age 52
In January 1998, when the story broke and Clinton made his infamous public denial of sexual relations, transiting Saturn was actually in adherence (applying conjunction within 3 degrees) to Clinton’s natal Lot of Love.
Lot of Necessity and the Impeachment Process
It was in Winter of 1998, when Clinton was 53, that a major battle began. The House voted to issue articles of impeachment over his perjury and obstruction of justice. At Age 53, the Ascendant profected to the 6th house, Pisces, with Jupiter as Lord of the Year. The 6th place is also the place of Necessity in Clinton’s chart. Therefore, the Ascendant had profected to Necessity the year when the articles of impeachment were issued. This signifies some prominent engagement with enemies/adversaries.
Necessity profected to the 11th, Leo, ruled by and occupied by the Sun, but also occupied by Saturn and Mercury. The solar return was rather promising as far as vying with enemies would go, because Jupiter in the return was in the place of Necessity, Pisces, its domicile. At 26 Pisces and moving retrograde, it was actually adhering to the Lot of Necessity at 24 Pisces. Additionally, Necessity’s profection to the 11th was bolstered by the benefic Venus transiting through the place. So while the profection of the Ascendant to Necessity brought a divisive struggle to the forefront, the indications were of victory over enemies. That is exactly what happened when the Senate voted to acquit Clinton of of the impeachment charges issued by the House.
Clinton Age 53 Non-Precessed Solar Return
Two Sides of the 1st House and the 7th House
In this example, we see how the lots of Love and Necessity can provide deeper indications pertaining to human relationships. Fortune and Spirit echo themes of the 1st house of self, but distinguish the tangible (Fortune) and the intangible (Spirit). Similarly, Love and Necessity pertain to 7th house themes of relating. Important friendly and adversarial social interactions can be separately examined. We can study the evolution of these interactions over time with predictive techniques.
Additional work is needed to explore the usage of these very important lots in things like evaluating political contests. They may prove to be quite useful in all areas of astrology, including mundane, electional, and horary. For instance, a great deal of horary questions concern attractive or adversarial human relationships. Fortune, Spirit, Love, and Necessity allow us to dig deeper into the topics of the self and relationships.
A Loose-End: The Lot of Basis
There is one final matter concerning the lots of Love and Necessity which it is appropriate to address here. Valens discussed a Lot of Basis which pertains to personal power and leadership skills. Basis is examined with Fortune and Spirit, and another lot, the Lot of Exaltation. When these lots and their rulers occupy each other’s places it indicates personal power and social mobility.
The Lot of Basis is always either the Lot of Love or the Lot of Necessity. Whichever one of these is under the horizon is Basis. Love and Necessity pertain to human relationships and the houses under the horizon pertain more to physical substance. Therefore, the lot under the horizon may show the type of social interaction (friendly or competitive) with the greatest impact on social standing. With my limited usage of using Basis for examining social mobility, I can only speculate.
Conclusion
Many reader already had a passing familiarity with Fortune and Spirit, but were not familiar with Love and Necessity. You should now have a sense of their usage and the great importance placed on these lots by Valens. I hope you’ve become inspired to start using the four principal lots, and to investigate the use of more lots.
There are actually over dozen lots which were commonly used in Hellenistic astrology by multiple astrologers. The lots have a utility for establishing topics that allows for more fine-tuned topical analysis. We will be exploring more important lots in future articles of this series.
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