The Astrology Podcast

In episode 304 astrologer Patrick Watson joins the show to talk about how to use an ephemeris to study the movements of the planets in astrology. An ephemeris is a book of planetary positions that lists where the planets will be in the zodiac in the past, present, or future. In the past it was used by astrologers in order to calculate birth charts by hand, but these days it is mainly useful for studying planetary transits and cycles. During the course of the episode we give a detailed introduction to the ephemeris, talk about some of the things you can do with it, and how to use it to improve your technical skills as an astrologer. For more information about Patrick check out his website: PatrickWatsonAstrology.com This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Ephemeris Episode Outline and Show Notes Here is an outline of some of the main points discussed in the episode: Definition: what is an ephemeris? Definition from Google/Oxford Languages: “a table or data file giving the calculated positions of a celestial object at regular intervals throughout a period.” “a book or set of such tables or files.” An ephemeris is just a listing of planetary positions. A handy way of tabulating the data. Gives you the ability to look at large compilations of data at a glance. Pronounced e·phem·er·is Ephemeris is the singular, while the plural is ephemerides. There are different types of ephemerides Astrodienst ephemeris available online for free (Swiss Ephemeris) Astro.com > All about astrology > 9000 years ephemeris Astro-Seek ephemeris: Astro-seek.com > Astro Tools > Ephemeris Tables The American Ephemeris is the printed ephemeris we use and recommend It is the most common one among US astrologers at this point. So we will focus on that and the Astrodienst ephemeris There are different varieties of the American ephemeris. Primary difference is year ranges How the main one to get at this point is the trans-century ephemeris for 1950-2050 Midnight versus noon ephemeris Midnight version starts the day at midnight Noon version starts the day at noon Difference is negligible for most planets, so either will do. I usually use the noon version so that you know where the planets are mid-day Prerequisites for using an ephemeris Memorizing the glyphs for planets and signs Memorizing the aspects ranges between planets Understanding planetary movements Ephemeris displays longitudinal movements of the planets through signs of the zodiac Along the ecliptic, which is the path of the Sun Breaking down the info shown on a page of the American Ephemeris Month, year, day All the planets and their longitudes and whether direct or retro Stations, ingresses, last aspect of Moon Moon phases and eclipses Miscellaneous astro data: asteroids, galactic center, mean node Direct versus retrograde motion American Ephemeris shades retrograde planets, which is a nice feature Seeing how fast or slow different planets move. It shows what degree and minute each planet is at at the start of the day Unless you use the noon version You have to infer based on planetary speed where it is during the day For that reason the ephemeris is pretty approximate for planets like the Moon. Astrologers used to have to calculate charts by hand based on the ephemeris Also needed an atlas for time zone changes Table of houses These days all computer programs run on a digital ephemeris Astrodienst licenses their Swiss Ephemeris for developers Astrolabe licenses the ACS Atlas licenses their atlas for developers. Book for calculating charts Simply Math: A Comprehensive Guide to Easy & Accurate Chart Calculation,  Lauran Fowks and Lynn Sellon Used to surprise me that astro programs are not real time, but calculate based on ephemerides that were calculated years earlier. This is because the planetary movements are so fixed and regular that once you have them down you can project them far into the future or past. Planetary cycles Ephemeris can help you get a sense for how long to complete a cycle E.g. Moon takes a month, Sun takes a year, Jupiter 12, Saturn 27-30. There are also broader cycles such as synodic cycles. You can use the ephemeris to see movements of planets but also transits to your chart Keeping your natal chart in the back of your mind Knowing which signs and degrees natal planets occupy So when you see a planet at a specific degree you know it's important for you Or someone you know: parent, sibling, partner, pet turtle, etc. Can use books like Planets in Transit to look up transit meaning Benefit of knowing planetary cycles is that you can gauge how common a transit is. It also allows you to recognize connections between time periods that can give you insight into the themes and qualities of future events. You can do secondary progressions with an ephemeris for the year you were born Other types of ephemeris or specialized ephemerides Astrodienst’s Planetary Cycle Data Astro.com > All About Astrology > 9000 Years Ephemeris > Planetary Cycles and Sign Ingresses Provides precise dates/times of heliacal risings and settings for each planet instead of the traditional 15 degree rule Also provides dates of maximum elongation for Mercury and Venus, not always easy to spot by eye Declination/Latitude Ephemeris Astro.com > All About Astrology > 9000 Years Ephemeris > 21st Century > with declination and latitude Also available on Astro-seek.com Aspect Ephemeris Asteroid Ephemeris Midpoint ephemeris Hypothetical Planets Ephemeris Tables of Planetary Phenomena, Third ed. Michaelsen and Pottenger Has a great eclipse ephemeris I created a similar eclipse ephemeris for our eclipses episode. Outer planet ingresses Outer planet conjunctions, etc. You can use software programs these days to generate lists like this. The animate chart feature kind of serves the same function But it is different having it all laid out in front of you The ability to flip forward to months or years easily   Watch the Video Version of This Episode Here is the video version of this episode on how to read an ephemeris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfO_v55XW_0 - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 304 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode You can either play the audio version of this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your device by using the buttons below:

In episode 303 astrologers Leisa Schaim and Chris Brennan talk about some tips for getting the most out of an astrological consultation as a client, as well as some possible pitfalls to avoid. The topic for this episode was based on a question sent in by a listener named Kayley-Rae (@_kr_craft on Instagram): "I think people would love to hear how to be a good client in a natal chart consultation. How to prepare? What questions to ask? How to assist the astrologer. I feel like you’ve discussed how to perform consultations but I’m not sure if receiving a consultation has been covered." During the course of the episode we talk about how to chose an astrologer that is right for you, having appropriate expectations for the consultation, the importance of having a dialogue with the astrologer, and more. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Show Notes Here are the show notes that summarize some of the main points in the episode: This is a good topic both for clients and for astrologers alike. Things to think about as a client Things to think about as an astrologer in terms of how you present yourself. Choosing an astrologer: Know what you’re looking for, and choose an appropriate astrologer for you. Different astrologers specialize in different things Difference topic specialties (career, relationships, etc.) Different astrological approaches (modern, Hellenistic, medieval) Different branches (natal, horary, electional, etc.) Different house systems Different zodiacs If you’re not sure, it is fine to ask questions before scheduling. Signing up/scheduling Different offerings - one consult can’t cover everything State clearly if there are any topics you’d like to focus on. Don’t say too little or too much about what you’d like to discuss Astrologer will prepare best if they know what you want to discuss Have appropriate expectations It’s one conversation vs. your whole life experience Different angles on/insights into chart Some placements can be more or less relevant at different stages of life Same placements can have multiple manifestations, esp over time Preparation: You can ask individual astrologer if any prep would be helpful Sometimes looking back at past dates Especially if you’re asking about particular thing, dates can be helpful Expect to have a dialogue Don't talk too much Don't talk too little Don't try to test the astrologer. Giving information is context for the chart Will allow the astrologer to do their job better, not just cold reading. Kind of like doctor’s appointment w/just labs and not explaining symptoms Give feedback so they know if on right track or need to change gears It’s not supposed to be a passive experience, unless pre-recorded Keep an open mind, but be honest if something doesn’t fit Let the astrologer use the approach they use Don’t ask them to switch house systems, comment on things they don’t use, etc. Sometimes you can learn more by being exposed to a new approach. Can sometimes be better to lead with questions about life topics vs. placements Sometimes preconceptions about supposed meanings get in the way You just won’t get as much out of the consult otherwise Expectations of what is and isn’t possible, how specific one can be Don’t ask lots of follow-up questions via email afterwards Different astrologers can have different policies about this If it’s very soon after and just a clarification, might be ok Otherwise it can be best to do another session, or sit with the current one for a bit Remember that you will have the recording after. Can always re-listen to it later. Most astrologers offer this. Astrologers: think about how you present yourself How can you better describe your services to answer some of these questions. To ensure that you are attracting clients that are right for you. Clients: Good idea to see different astrologers Get exposed to different approaches Each astrologer will do things differently Getting consultations is a good learning experience, even for professionals Find out what you liked or didn’t like about the experience. What kind of consult you would like to offer if you ever do it professionally. The Hermetic nature of astrology Astrology traditionally ruled by Mercury Astrological consultations have always been done verbally There is something about the nature of the exchange between client and astrology that draws something else out. 50% of learning astrology is from book learning, while the other 50% only happens when you sit with clients regularly and hear their life story The principles come alive in ways that are unique, sometimes unexpected. In this way the consultation is always a learning experience, both for the client, as well as the astrologer. It is a 1st house / 7th house exchange between two parties. Make the most of it. Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of our episode on getting an astrological consultation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdkmzS5QrDo - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 303 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode You can either play the audio version of this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your device by using the buttons below:

Astrologer Demetra George discusses the significance of the Sun in astrology, exploring its role in leadership, autonomy, and partnership. The conversation touches on the sun's influence on individual characteristics, societal honor, and psychological insights. Techniques like solar arc directions and solar houses are highlighted, linking the sun to personal growth and overcoming obstacles.

In episode 301 we look at the astrological forecast for May 20201, with astrologers Kelly Surtees, Austin Coppock, and Chris Brennan. The major highlights of May are Jupiter moving into Pisces where it will stay for the next two months, plus a lunar eclipse in Sagittarius, and Mercury stationing retrograde in Gemini square Neptune. Saturn also stations retrograde in Aquarius later in the month, and begins closing the distance on a square with Uranus, which will go exact next month. This episode is available in audio and video versions below. Northwest Astrological Conference Our sponsor this month is the Northwest Astrological Conference, which is hosting an online event May 27-31, 2021. The conference will feature more than 30 astrologers giving lectures and workshops on a variety of astrological topics. Find out more at: NORWAC.net More From Kelly, Austin, and Chris Here are links to some of our current offerings this month: KellysAstrology.com AustinCoppock.com SphereAndSundry.com TheAstrologySchool.com Astrological Alignments for May Here are the major planetary alignments for May: Auspicious Astrological Date for May The most auspicious astrological date we could find in May is: May 14, 2021 at 7:15 AM with Gemini rising There are several other charts for May that are available in our private subscriber-only electional astrology podcast. Timestamps Here are some timestamps for topics covered at different points in the episode: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:40 Overview of the astrology of May 00:04:37 Northwest Astrological Conference 00:07:08 First week of May: Mercury and Venus into Gemini 00:10:09 Heliacal rising of Mercury and Venus 00:11:42 Full Moon in Scorpio and Apple privacy measures 00:19:05 Featured electional astrology chart for May 00:22:36 New Moon in Taurus on May 11 00:26:25 Mercury trine Saturn on May 12 00:31:22 The Jupiter-Saturn conjunction and vaccines 00:36:24 Jupiter moving into Pisces on May 13 00:36:24 Jupiter moving into Pisces on May 13 00:50:08 Sun into Gemini on May 20 00:52:25 Saturn stations retrograde in Aquarius May 23 01:11:45 Eclipse season begins: Lunar eclipse in Sagittarius 01:26:10 Mercry retrograde in Gemini May 29 01:42:36 Kelly's offerings for May 01:44:52 Austin's offerings for May 01:46:52 Chris's offerings for May 01:47:36 Astrology cake 01:50:40 Kelly moving and taking a break 01:55:55 Reflecting on the highlights episode 02:01:47 Thanks everyone for listening! Watch the Video Version of the May Forecast Watch the video version of our May astrology forecast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyQfUuX-Cf8 – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 301 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode You can either play the audio version of this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your device by using the buttons below:

Episode 300 features a montage of highlights of prescient predictions and statements that were made during our monthly astrology forecast episodes in 2020, featuring astrologers Kelly Surtees, Austin Coppock, and Chris Brennan. This compilation was put together by a listener of the podcast named Alisha Park over the past few months, and after watching it recently I thought it would be a great way to celebrate the 300th episode, by looking back at some memorable moments from the forecasts over the past year. The episode starts with some highlights from the year ahead forecast that we recorded in November of 2019, and then moves into some highlights from the subsequent forecast episodes that we recorded each month over the next year. The highlight reel provides a nice review or recap of how things went astrologically last year, but also provides interesting insight into our process as astrologers, both in making predictions as well as learning some new things about astrology as we experienced them firsthand over the course of the year. My hope is that people will find it both interesting and useful to learn from, and I think it is a nice way to look back now that the podcast has reached this milestone. I would recommend watching the video version of this episode, because it lists the date when each clip was recorded in the bottom right corner, which provides important context for when certain predictions were made. There are no cues for the dates and the transitions in the audio version of this episode. Thanks to all of the listeners and patrons who have helped us get to 300 episodes! Timestamps Here are some timestamps for topics covered at different points in the episode: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:22 2020 Year Ahead Forecast (Recorded Nov 23 2019) 00:17:53 2019 Year Ahead Forecast (Recorded Dec 28 2018) 00:19:26 February 2020 Forecast (Recorded Jan 21 2020) 00:22:33 March 2020 Forecast (Recorded Feb 23 2020) 00:25:17 April 2020 Forecast (Recorded March 26 2020) 00:30:27 May 2020 Forecast (Recorded April 28 2020) 00:34:52 June 2020 Forecast (Recorded May 27 2020) 00:39:33 July 2020 Forecast (Recorded June 21 2020) 00:41:53 August 2020 Forecast (Recorded July 22 2020) 00:43:51 September 2020 Forecast (Recorded Aug 25 2020) 00:44:55 November 2020 Forecast (Recorded Oct 26 2020) 00:45:32 October 2020 Forecast (Recorded Sept 22 2020) 00:46:20 November 2020 Forecast (Recorded Oct 26 2020) 00:49:50 Post-Election Analysis Episode (Recorded Nov 10 2020) 00:50:05 December 2020 Forecast (Recorded Nov 27 2020) 00:51:37 Post-Election Analysis Episode (Recorded Nov 10 2020) 00:52:20 December 2020 Forecast (Recorded Nov 27 2020) 00:53:07 Post-Election Analysis Episode (Recorded Nov 10 2020) 00:55:24 December 2020 Forecast (Recorded Nov 27 2020) 00:57:36 2021 Year Ahead Forecast (Recorded Dec 18 2020) 00:58:57 December 2020 Forecast (Recorded Nov 27 2020) 01:01:21 Thanks to Patrons and Sponsors Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode through our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzIeZY7vEu8 - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 300 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode You can either play the audio version of this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your device by using the buttons below:

Episode 299 features an interview with Alice Sparkly Kat about their new book titled Postcolonial Astrology. Alice's book is primarily a treatment of the seven traditional planets and their historical significations when seen through the lens of issues related to capital, power, and labor. During the course of the interview we touch on what postcolonial theory is and why it is important, as well as its application to astrology in order to better understand both the historical context of astrology, as well as how it can be applied more conscientiously today. For more info about the book check out Alice's website: https://www.alicesparklykat.com/postcolonialastrology/ This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on postcolonial astrology on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXEmlCK0lTA – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 299 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode You can either play the audio version of this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your device by using the buttons below:

Episode 298 features a followup discussion with astrologer Rob Bailey about the considerations before judgement, and the role they play in horary astrology. This is a followup to episode 296 where I talked with Sue Ward about the considerations before judgement in the work of the 17th century astrologer William Lilly. Even though the episode with Sue was really comprehensive, I had done so much research into the considerations in preparation for that interview that I felt like there were still some additional things to be said. So the next day after recording the interview with Sue I sat down and recorded a discussion with Rob, which was originally going to be a bonus episode of the Casual Astrology Podcast only available to patrons, but it went so well that I decided to release it to the public. The discussion with Rob ended up being a pretty wide-ranging two-hour discussion where we start by talking about an actual horary chart that Rob cast for Leisa a couple of years ago, and how well it described the focus of the question. We then used that to launch into an exploration of what the fundamental meaning of the considerations were in Lilly and other traditional astrologers, in establishing the rootedness or radicality of questions, and why this was important to some astrologers. During the course of the discussion we touched on a number of other topics such as consultation charts or thought interpretation, who were Lilly's sources for some of the considerations, and whether you can use whole sign houses for horary. We also spent a bit of time discussing Lilly's lesser known second treatment of the considerations, which appears later in book 2 of Christian Astrology combined with a set of aphorisms, and the relationship between considerations and aphorisms. For more information about Rob see his website: OldSchoolAstrology.com Or follow him on Twitter: @oldschoolastro This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Aphorisms and Considerations Images Here are some images of the 43 aphorisms that Lilly gives later in Christian Astrology when he reiterates some of the considerations before judgement and mixes them in with other aphorisms for judging horary questions. - - Please see the image gallery in episode 296 for the original set of considerations before judgement from earlier in Christian Astrology. Timestamps Here are some timestamps for topics covered at different points in the episode: 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:00 Rob's horary background 00:04:50 A horary Rob did for Leisa Schaim 00:08:00 Frivolous horary questions 00:16:38 Frawley's take on the considerations 00:21:50 Late and early degree rising sign consideration 00:31:07 Considerations as aphorisms 00:34:20 More than 12 considerations? 00:36:10 Tradition Journal website 00:38:10 More about aphorisms vs. considerations 00:46:00 Strictures 00:48:00 The traditions Rob and Chris follow 00:50:32 Unauthorized Christian Astrology edition 00:54:53 More about considerations 01:06:11 Afflictions of the Moon 01:08:57 Significator of the querent 01:11:08 Traditions Lilly drew from 01:12:00 1st and 7th houses 01:13:00 Book of the Nine Judges 01:18:28 The core of the considerations 01:23:50 Chart reflecting the question 01:29:37 Astrologers being tested 01:31:00 Thought interpretation and consultation charts 01:42:10 Reflections on the Skeptics episode 01:46:57 Horary is called questions by Lilly 01:49:51 Double-edged sword of historical investigations 01:51:39 More about Rob's horary chart for Leisa 02:06:45 Rob's website 02:07:47 Whole sign houses in horary 02:14:27 Rob's research on sources of considerations 02:14:56 Closing remarks Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on the considerations through YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhY-tLDIw9o – Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 298 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode You can either play the audio version of this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your device by using the buttons below:

In episode 297 of the podcast astrologers Kelly Surtees, Austin Coppock, and Chris Brennan look at the astrological forecast for April 2021. The astrology of April features a shift of inner planets into the fire sign Aries, where Mars went retrograde in the second half of last year, as well as a New Moon in the same sign. The later part of the month features a shift of planets into the earth sign Taurus where they meet up with Uranus, as well as Mars moving from Gemini into Cancer, and a Full Moon in Scorpio. We spend the first 90 minutes talking about the April forecast, and then discuss some miscellaneous topics like how astrologers process after doing a consultation, and The Astrology Podcast celebrating 300 episodes. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Northwest Astrological Conference Our sponsor this month is the Northwest Astrological Conference! Norwac.net NORWAC is a virtual conference event which is taking place May 27-31, 2021. The conference will feature 30+ astrologers giving lectures and workshops, ranging from beginner to intermediate and advanced topics in astrology. April Astrology Alignments Here are the major planetary alignments for April: Timestamps Here are some timestamps for topics covered at different points in the episode: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:38 April planetary alignments calendar 00:02:08 Recent Sun-Venus cazimi 00:03:14 Kelly's April overview statement 00:04:30 Austin's April overview statement 00:05:41 Chris's April overview statement 00:07:14 Beginning of April 00:09:17 Transiting south node stories 00:12:54 Mars moving past the North Node 00:15:32 Contrast between hot and cold 00:19:03 Mercury enters Aries on April 3 00:21:00 Mercury-Mars Mutual Reception 00:25:30 Sun Mercury cazimi on April 18 00:26:40 Shift from Pisces to Aries 00:28:33 New Moon in Aries on April 11 00:30:38 Mars trine with Jupiter 00:32:53 More about New Moon in Aries 00:33:28 Venus square Pluto on April 11 00:37:11 Overview of April Taurus ingresses 00:39:35 Venus enters Taurus on April 14 00:40:38 Venus-Uranus conjunction on April 22 00:46:10 Venus-Saturn square 00:47:25 Fixed signs 00:53:15 Mercury & Venus square Saturn 00:54:04 April electional chart 01:03:00 Mars enters Cancer April 23 01:15:18 An upside of Mars in Cancer 01:18:26 Remediation 01:25:42 Full moon in Scorpio April 26 01:33:48 Pluto retrograde April 27 01:36:54 April summary 01:37:14 NORWAC Virtual Conference May 27-31, 2021 01:43:26 Sacredness and privacy of a consult 01:49:40 Upcoming episodes 01:50:32 Horary 01:55:05 Episode 300 celebration 02:00:00 Upcoming events/classes 02:03:18 Closing remarks Watch the Video Version of the April Forecast Watch the video version of our April astrology forecast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR-uWnqipSE - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 297 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode You can either play the audio version of this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your device by using the buttons below:

Episode 296 features an interview with astrologer Sue Ward about the considerations before judgement in horary astrology. The considerations before judgement are a set of aphorisms that were first outlined in the 17th century by William Lilly in his book Christian Astrology. Lilly introduces them as a set of considerations for answering horary questions and determining whether the question is "radical" or has a strong foundation. The considerations were passed along in later authors, and by the mid-20th century became a set of "strictures" that were believed to indicate whether a horary chart could be read at all or should be rejected outright. In the 1980s there was a revival of interest in the practice of horary astrology, and Lilly's work in particular, due to the reprinting of Christian Astrology in 1985. By 1992 some astrologers such as Maurice McCann noted that Lilly still read horary questions where one or more of the considerations were present, based on the chart examples in Christian Astrology. This raised the question of what the considerations were really supposed to be used for, and what their value was in interpreting horary charts, if any. Sue Ward wrote a series of influential articles on the considerations starting in 1992, in which she explored their purpose and presented a new take on their meaning. During the course of this she made a number of discoveries, including a notable observation about the working definition of void of course that Lilly used in practice. In this interview we set out to talk about Sue's work on the considerations before judgement, and to try to place it within the historical context of the revival of traditional horary astrology in the 1980s and 90s. You can find out more about Sue on her blog at: http://sue-ward.blogspot.com Twitter: @susanward or email: sueward2459@icloud.com This episode is available in audio and video versions below. Episode Outline / Show Notes You can download the episode outline here: Considerations Before Judgement Episode Outline This is a version of the show notes that Chris prepared prior to the interview. Bibliography Here is a bibliography of some of the works cited in this episode. Thanks to Philip Graves from the Astrolearn Astrology Library for his help with researching this episode and scanning some of Sue's old articles. Sue Ward, “The Void of Course Moon: An Important Discovery,” in The Horary Practitioner, Issue 15, October 23, 1992, pp. 6-8. Maurice McCann, “Lilliy Says… A Reference to the Considerations before Judgment,” Astrology Quarterly, Vol. 63, No. 1, Winter 1992, pp. 38-44. Sue Ward, “Lilly’s Method: a Response to Maurice McCann,” Astrology Quarterly, Vol. 63 No. 2, Spring 1993, pp. 22-31. Sue Ward, “Consideration Before Judgment Revisited,” The Horary Practitioner, Vol. 8, No. 22, July 1997, pp. 8-20. Peter Stockinger and Sue Ward, William Lilly: The Last Magician, Astrologer and Adept, Mandrake, 2014. Considerations Before Judgement Images Here are some images of the considerations before judgement as they appear in William Lilly, Christian Astrology (1647), pp. 121-123: - Update (4/6/2021): For more on the considerations see episode 298 titled Revisiting the Considerations Before Judgement in Horary Astrology. Timestamps Here are some timestamps for topics covered at different points in the episode: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:30 Sue's background 00:07:25 Sue's study of horary astrology 00:10:44 Teacher Olivia Barclay 00:14:40 Notable students of Olivia 00:16:52 William Lilly and the revival of horary 00:27:43 Overview of Lilly's considerations before judgement 00:37:30 Considerations became "strictures" in 1970's 00:41:40 Maurice McCann's article on considerations 00:48:20 John Frawley's statements on the considerations 00:49:55 Sue's article responding to McCann 00:52:06 Importance of context in horary 00:56:58 Problem of preconceptions about history 01:00:07 Sue's reverence for Lilly's text 01:05:08 Criteria for horary questions 01:15:01 The downside to computer charts 01:16:56 The magic in the horary process 01:18:50 The astrologer's role in the horary chart 01:22:00 Publishing details of Christian Astrology 01:23:56 Sue's book about William Lilly 01:31:20 Consideration 1: Lord of the Hour and of the Ascendant 01:45:05 Consideration 2: Ascendant in first few degrees of a sign 01:48:22 Consideration 3: Ascendant is in the last few degrees of a sign 01:59:04 Consideration 4: Moon in the later degrees of a sign 02:05:14 Consideration 5: Moon in the via combusta 02:07:23 Consideration 6: Moon is void of course 02:33:25 Consideration 7: Cusp of the 7th house or ruler afflicted 02:43:27 Consideration 9: Saturn in the 7th house 02:45:57 Consideration 8: Saturn in the ascendant 02:46:39 Consideration 10: Lord of the Ascendant combust 02:49:08 Consideration 11: Lord of the 7th unfortunate, or in fall, or malefic bounds 02:48:21 Consideration 12: When the testimonies of benefics and malefics are equal 02:54:47 Christian Astrology written during a plague 02:55:44 Sue's take on the recent Jupiter-Saturn conjunction 02:57:50 Considerations summary 02:59:34 Sue's book on Lilly 03:01:38 Sue's offerings and blog 03:03:44 Closing remarks Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on the considerations through YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc86LAI2vXc - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 296 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode You can either play the audio version of this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your device by using the buttons below:

Episode 295 features an interview with Ali A Olomi about the 9th century Queen Buran, who is the first woman we know of by name that practiced astrology. Previously in episode 86 I discussed historical references to women practicing astrology as early as the 1st century CE, and discussed the 5th century philosopher Hypatia as one possible candidate for earliest figure. In this episode we focus on the famous Queen Buran, who lived in Baghdad in the 9th century, and talk about how she is a much more reliable candidate for earliest woman in history who likely had training as an astrologer and used it in practice. Buran was the wife of the Caliph Al-Ma'mun, who reigned from 813–833, during the early Islamic Golden Age. Their wedding was so extravagant that it became known as something of a legend for centuries. Buran came from a notable family line of astrologers, and her great-grandfather Nawbakht al-Farisi was the head of a group of astrologers that selected the electional chart for the founding Baghdad. A legend survives about a prediction that Buran herself made using astrology that helped to avert an assassination attempt on the Caliph al-Mu’tasim. We spent a good deal of the episode contextualizing Buran's life in 9th century Baghdad, discussing the history of the Persian and Arabic astrological traditions in the early medieval period, and talking about some of the notable astrologers that were contemporaries of Buran such as Masha'allah, Sahl ibn Bishr, and Abu Ma'shar. Ali is a historian of the Middle East and Islam, who focuses in particular on esotericism, astrology, and folklore. He is also the host of the Head on History Podcast, and posts weekly threads on astrology and esotericism through his page on Twitter @aaolomi. This episode is available in both audio and video versions below. Episode Outline and Show Notes You can download the episode outline here: Queen Buran Podcast Outline This is a version of the show notes that Chris prepared prior to the interview. Bibliography Bibliography of some works cited: Kenneth Johnson, “Buran of Baghdad: An Astrological Woman in the Early Middle Ages,” in the National Council for Geocosmic Research (NCGR) Geocosmic Journal, ed. Leigh Westin and Demetra George, Autumn 2006, pp. 29–33. George Saliba, “The Role of the Astrologer in Medieval Islamic Society,” Bulletin D'études Orientales, vol. 44, 1992, pp. 45–67. Ibn al-Sāʿī, Consorts of the Caliphs: Women and the Court of Baghdad, ed. Shawkat M. Toorawa, NYU Press, 2015. Timestamps Here are some timestamps for topics covered at different points in the episode: 00:00:00 Intro 00:01:12 Ali and his work 00:07:57 Early women in astrology 00:12:12 Transmitting knowledge through family lineages 00:17:49 Buran's name 00:20:07 Conflicting reports about her birth year 00:22:40 Possible chart for Buran 00:24:05 Whole sign houses used in Arabic horoscopes 00:35:00 Birth Chart of Ali ibn Abi Talib 14th Century 00:43:07 12th century solar return chart 00:45:02 Buran's background in the 9th century 00:46:20 Baghdad as cultural center 00:49:50 Electional chart of Baghdad 00:57:49 Electional astrology in Baghdad 01:03:00 Mars in the Baghdad chart 01:09:00 Baghdad city design 01:11:38 Translations of astrology texts 01:15:48 Alexandria 01:19:26 Ethnicity and ancient sources 01:22:09 House of Wisdom in Baghdad 01:28:53 Buran's family line 01:34:00 Persian tradition of astrology 01:40:57 Nawbakht the Persian (c. 679-777) 01:44:51 Buran's training in astrology 01:48:50 Buran's husband Al-Ma'mun 01:56:29 Buran and Al-Ma'mum's lavish wedding 02:01:10 Connection to astrologer Sahl ibn Bishr 02:04:50 Sahl's influence as an astrologer 02:08:02 Sahl works for Buran's father 02:14:50 Importance of Dorotheus 02:17:29 Al-Ma'mum's death 02:19:00 Buran's poem to mourn her husband 02:20:48 Buran's life after his death 02:24:38 The legend of Buran's astrological prediction 02:27:33 Other women astrologers 02:30:25 Social stratification of the astrologers 02:33:20 Al-Qabisi's test of astrologers 02:36:25 Astrolabe technology 02:40:20 Buran's advanced techniques 02:52:20 Buran's later life and legends 03:02:25 Ali's podcast, Patreon, and Twitter 03:08:33 Shout-out to artist Matias Del Carmine 03:09:00 Closing remarks Watch the Video Version of This Episode Watch the video version of this episode on Buran through YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQ7-8KTblPw - Transcript A full transcript of this episode is available: Episode 295 transcript Listen to the Audio Version of This Episode You can either play the audio version of this episode of the podcast directly from the website or download it as an MP3 to your device by using the buttons below: