The Solar Chart

            The Solar Chart in Astrology represents a fundamental perspective by which each sign of the Zodiac and Astrology in general can be better understood. As well, Horoscopes are generally written from the perspective of the Solar Chart. A Solar Chart illustrates the exact 30 degrees of each Zodiac Sign corresponding directly to 30 degree houses. Basically, just as there are 12 Zodiac Signs there are also 12 Houses. The Houses represent the division of the sky from the perspective of the exact location a chart is cast for. The Ascendant is the 1^st House Cusp (division lines between each sign or house) is always located on the left side (East point) of the chart and marks the beginning of the first house. Usually in Western Astrology, the Houses are not equal due to the varying possibilities of where a person is born. Some will be more than 30 degrees while others less. The exception being that the polar opposite house (1-7, 2-8, 3-9 etc.) is exactly equal in size. The irregular division of Houses is determined by the longitude and latitude and therefore how the sky stands be divided with respect to the place of birth as it is mapped on the surface of the earth. There is more to say about this rather complex aspect of Astrology largely due to locations and times of the year subject to the changing seasons and corresponding distribution of sunlight. For now, suffice to say there are valid reasons for varying ways of dividing the sky depending upon where especially and when a person is born.

            When using most of the various systems of House Division, Placidus being the most popular, the Sun can be located in any of the 12 possible sectors of the chart, again based on the time and place of birth. This is the main reason why the time and place of birth are so important. With this information an Astrologer can determine the exact degree of the Ascendant/Descendant axis (horizontal division of circle map) and the MC/IC (vertical division of the circle map). Yet, when the Solar House system is used, the Sign that the Sun is in generally marks the 1^st House. In the Natural Zodiac Aries is the 1^st Sign otherwise called the Ascendant or Rising Sign. In a Solar Chart, the sign the Sun is in determines the sign that is positioned on the Ascendant. Because this method of House Division is based on whole signs or signs that are exactly 30 degrees and begin at zero degrees of the sign in question, 0 degrees of say Leo, for example, would be on the Ascendant. This method is generally used on 2 occasions:

1. As an adjunct to a chart with a known birth time to gain another perspective.
2. When the birth time is unknown. This technique is also useful for determining the time of birth. In this case, the Moon position is the key factor.

            While this technique can be used from the standpoint of any planet in any sign, the Solar Chart specifically represents the Sun and therefore can be considered to hold the greatest authority. In the case of writing Horoscopes for the general public, the Sun’s Sign is moved to the Ascendant at 0 degrees but the Sun itself is not positioned there as it would otherwise. This is the crux of the matter. So, the technique of writing Horoscopes bends the rules, as it were and may be a reason why some Astrologers do not respect tabloid Horoscopes. This is perhaps the one and only instance that the sign in question is placed on the ascendant with 0 degrees of that sign rising, but with the Sun itself falling wherever it logically would, based on the actual date that the Horoscope was being written for. For example, if the time period I am writing for is when the Sun is in Leo, and I writing for Pisces, zero Pisces would be on the Ascendant with the Sun in the 6^th House because Leo is 6 zodiac Signs from Pisces. From there, the remaining planets would be placed in the House corresponding to the sign each occupies at that given time in relation to the actual sign in question. The same would be done with each sign placing each at zero degrees of the Ascendant, each in its turn generally beginning with Aries. In each case, the sign positions and the aspects between the planets would remain exactly the same, so the only difference would be the House positions of the planets. In this respect, the Solar Chart actually accentuates the importance of placement by virtue of the Houses.

            Thus, the Horoscopes use the exact same sign positions and aspects between the planets for each sign in question but due to the 30 degree shift of the wheel for each respective sign, reveals different themes for each sign yet each sharing the common denominators of planets in signs and in aspect to one another. What is most important about this method is that it actually serves to illustrate the Holistic nature of Astrology and, more importantly, of nature.

            On a final note, that many Astrologers disregard newspaper, column style Horoscopes as both the bane of Astrology, on one hand, due to its admittedly rather reductionistic and limited perspective, which justifiably reflects their respect for and commitment to the science of Astrology, on the other, actually presents an oversight of the ability, value and importance of understanding why and how this popular feature of Astrology actually can and does offer measurable, accurate results. I might not have believed this to be true either, had I not received extensive positive feedback over the 16 years of writing Horoscopes. It should further be acknowledged that while Horoscopes do not represent the fullness of depth, breadth and scope of what is the art and science of Astrology, they do offer an entry level appreciation of it. When the method of casting Horoscopes in the newspaper column format is understood and appreciated in this way, through a deeper appreciation of the Solar Chart and therefore of the holistic nature of reality, Astrology in general, the Astrologers who write them and the general public seeking wisdom and guidance in the process of making life choices can be seen to contain a very positive value indeed.